Ever leave an IEP meeting thinking, I should’ve asked more questions—but I didn’t know where to start? You’re not alone. In this episode of ABC of the IEP, Monica shares a practical cheat sheet of go-to questions you can use at any IEP meeting—plus how to tailor your questions to your child’s unique needs. Learn why asking the right questions (at the right time) helps you slow things down, clarify decisions, and build stronger collaboration with your team.

👉 Get your free companion handout and more IEP support at preparedparentadvocate.com/podcast

Follow @preparedparentadvocate on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/preparedparentadvocate/

Need 1:1 advocacy support for your child's IEP, or 504 Plan? Visit preparedparentadvocate.com for a free consult with Monica.

What happens if you can’t attend the IEP meeting… and the school holds it anyway? In this quick episode of IEP Inbox, Monica breaks down what the law says about parent participation, when schools can legally meet without you, and what to do if it happens. You’ll also hear how to prevent this situation—and how to stay involved, even if scheduling gets tricky.

👉 For more IEP support and free handouts, visit preparedparentadvocate.com/podcast

Follow @preparedparentadvocate on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/preparedparentadvocate/

Need 1:1 advocacy support for your child's IEP, or 504 Plan? Visit preparedparentadvocate.com for a free consult with Monica.

You’ve probably heard that parents are part of the IEP team—but what does that really mean? In this episode, we break down your legal rights under IDEA, what meaningful parent participation looks like, and how to stay grounded and involved even when the process feels rushed or overwhelming. Monica shares insights from both the school and parent side—and offers practical tips to help you speak up with clarity and confidence.

👉 Find free handouts and more support at preparedparentadvocate.com/podcast

Follow @preparedparentadvocate on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/preparedparentadvocate/

Need 1:1 advocacy support for your child's IEP, or 504 Plan? Visit preparedparentadvocate.com for a free consult with Monica.

Feeling unsure after a school evaluation? In this mini episode, Monica walks through when a private assessment might help, what to watch out for, and how to choose the right evaluator. You’ll also hear what happens when you share an outside evaluation with your IEP team—and how to keep the conversation collaborative, not confrontational.

👉 Find more IEP tips and download free handouts at preparedparentadvocate.com/podcast

Follow @preparedparentadvocate on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/preparedparentadvocate/

Need 1:1 advocacy support for your child's IEP, or 504 Plan? Visit preparedparentadvocate.com for a free consult with Monica.

Wondering if you should get a private evaluation for your child? In this episode, Monica breaks down when outside assessments (including IEEs) make sense, what schools are legally required to do with them, and how to share results without creating conflict. You’ll also learn what to look for in a quality evaluator—and what red flags to avoid.

👉 Grab the free companion handout at preparedparentadvocate.com/podcast

Follow @preparedparentadvocate on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/preparedparentadvocate/

Need 1:1 advocacy support for your child's IEP, or 504 Plan? Visit preparedparentadvocate.com for a free consult with Monica.

Yes—you can ask the IEP team to include your child’s strengths. In fact, the law already requires it. In this mini episode, Monica explains why strengths belong in the IEP, how to bring them into the conversation, and what to say if that section of the plan has been left blank. Whether your child loves structure, stories, or science, their interests matter—and should be part of the plan.

👉 Grab the free companion handout at preparedparentadvocate.com/podcast

Follow @preparedparentadvocate on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/preparedparentadvocate/

Ever feel like your child’s IEP focuses only on what’s “wrong”? In this episode, we talk about how to bring neurodivergent strengths into the room—on purpose. You’ll learn how schools can center student interests, how parents can advocate for strength-based language in the IEP, and why it matters for both motivation and self-worth. Monica also shares a personal story about pushing back on labels and advocating for placements that build on connection and joy.

👉 Includes a free companion handout at preparedparentadvocate.com/podcast

Follow @preparedparentadvocate on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/preparedparentadvocate/

Need 1:1 advocacy support for your child's IEP, or 504 Plan? Visit preparedparentadvocate.com for a free consult with Monica.

Worried about how IEP supports might impact your child’s ability to graduate? In this mini episode, we break down how accommodations and modifications are treated differently—especially when it comes to high school diploma requirements. Learn which supports won’t affect graduation at all, which ones might, and the exact questions to ask your IEP team to make sure you’re in the loop early—not surprised later.

Follow @preparedparentadvocate on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/preparedparentadvocate/

Need 1:1 advocacy support for your child's IEP, or 504 Plan? Visit preparedparentadvocate.com for a free consult with Monica.