Transitioning from an ABA center into school can be a major change, especially when a child arrives without an IEP. Here’s what parents should know about requesting an evaluation, sharing ABA records and data, preparing the school team, and avoiding the “wait and see” approach.

A school can check every box, follow every timeline, and implement an IEP exactly as written, but that doesn’t necessarily mean the plan is working. Here’s the difference between special education compliance and meaningful progress, what strong problem-solving teams do differently, and what parents should be asking when their child isn’t moving forward.

Special education evaluation results can be overwhelming, even for professionals who understand the process. Here’s what parents should know before the meeting, how to approach test scores and eligibility discussions, and what options you have if you disagree with the school’s evaluation.

The Impact of Disability Statement may be one of the most overlooked sections of an IEP, but it can influence nearly every part of the document. Learn what this statement should include, common red flags to watch for, and why an individualized, data-driven impact statement is essential to building an appropriate IEP.

When something isn't working at school, parents often assume the IEP needs to be changed. But sometimes the IEP itself isn't the problem. The problem is that it isn't being implemented as written. Understanding the difference between an IEP issue and an implementation issue can help you ask the right questions and advocate for the right solution.

Parent concerns are more than a box to check during an IEP meeting. They are an opportunity to make sure the team understands your long-term vision for your child. Schools may educate your child for a few years, but you are parenting them for life. Here's why that big-picture vision should help guide the IEP.

The first month of school can reveal a lot about whether your child's IEP or 504 Plan is working in practice. Here are the key things parents should watch during the first 30 days, from services and accommodations to behavior, progress monitoring, placement, and communication.

Talking to your child about their disability can feel overwhelming, but open, age-appropriate conversations can help build confidence and self-advocacy. Learn how to explain disabilities, discuss strengths and challenges, and help your child understand the supports they need to succeed.

Back-to-school season can bring plenty of questions for families navigating special education. From believing good grades prevent IEP eligibility to thinking you have to wait until the annual IEP meeting to raise concerns, we're breaking down nine common special education myths parents should know as the new school year begins.

Specially designed instruction is what makes special education truly individualized. Learn what SDI should look like in your child’s IEP, how instruction can be adapted to meet disability-related needs, and the questions parents should ask to make sure their child is receiving more than accommodations.

Many parents don't reach out to an educational advocate until something has already gone wrong. But some of the most effective advocacy happens before the first day of school. Here's why getting support early can help your child start the year with the services, accommodations, and plan they need to succeed.

When parents raise concerns about their child's learning, one of the most common responses from schools is, "Let's wait and see." Sometimes that's appropriate—but only if there's a clear plan in place. Learn what questions to ask, what data the school should be collecting, your right to request an evaluation at any time, and how to make sure waiting doesn't become unnecessary delay.

Learn how to write an effective parent introduction letter to share at the beginning of the school year that helps your child’s teacher understand who they are, including their strengths, interests, learning needs, challenges, and successful strategies. Discover practical tips for building collaboration, improving communication, and helping your child start the school year with the right support in place.

Don't file your child's IEP away without reading it. Learn why every page matters, what to review, and how catching mistakes early can protect your child's educational rights.

Baseline data is the foundation of every effective IEP and IEP goals must start with clear baseline data. Learn how present levels, measurable annual goals, and IDEA regulations help parents and educators track real growth instead of vague progress.

10 Questions to Ask Before the First Day of School if Your Child Has an IEP or 504 Plan

Hiring an educational advocate early can prevent crises and protect your child’s educational progress. Learn how proactive advocacy supports strong IEPs or 504 plans, ensures appropriate services from the start, strengthens collaboration with schools, and helps families understand their rights before misunderstandings, placement changes, or service gaps negatively impact a child’s academic, behavioral, and emotional well-being.

Transferring to a new school can be overwhelming, especially if your child has an IEP or 504 Plan. Learn what "comparable services" are, when they must begin, and what your rights are under IDEA and Section 504 to ensure your child's supports continue without unnecessary interruption.

Before school starts, request these important records from your child's school to ensure your IEP or 504 Plan is implemented correctly from day one.

Easter is a season of renewal, hope, and fresh starts. For many families, it represents faith, resilience, and the promise that growth follows even the hardest seasons. And if you are parenting a child with an IEP or 504 plan, you know how powerful that message can be.