What Is Child Find?

Child Find is a legal mandate that requires schools to identify, locate, and evaluate children with disabilities. Sounds straightforward, right? But here’s the kicker—schools often don’t take the first step. That’s where we come in, the relentless advocates, the warriors of justice.

The 10 Triggers for Child Find Investigations

If you notice any of the following signs, it’s time to initiate a Child Find investigation:
1. Ongoing below-grade-level performance
2. Increasing academic gaps
3. Diagnosis of a disorder
4. Mental health medication
5. Inattention affecting achievement or relationships
6. Hospitalization for suicidal or homicidal ideation
7. Significant social issues
8. Emotional issues
9. Excessive absences
10. Parent or teacher recommendation

The Advocate’s Role: Be the Catalyst

We must be vigilant and proactive. If you see any of these triggers, don’t wait for the school to act. Take the initiative, gather evidence, and push for an evaluation. Remember, Child Find is not just a legal requirement; it’s a moral obligation.

Why Child Find Matters

Child Find is more than a legal term; it’s a lifeline for families navigating the maze of special education. It ensures that children receive the services they need to thrive, not just survive.

My final thoughts … Child Find is our secret weapon in ensuring that every child receives the education they deserve. Let’s wield it with love, courage, and an unwavering commitment to justice.

P.S. Take the Next Step in Your Advocacy Journey

If this post has ignited a fire within you to learn more and do more, I’ve got some exciting opportunities for you:

1. Live Free Trainings: Join me every Tuesday on TikTok (@specialeducationboss) for live, free trainings that will empower your advocacy journey.

2. The Academy: Ready to dive deeper? Consider joining The Academy, where we take special education advocacy to the next level.

3. Virtual 2-Day Special Education Advocacy Intensive Training: For those who are serious about making a difference, this intensive training is a game-changer.

4. Upcoming Mastermind Training: Elevate your advocacy skills and network with like-minded individuals in our exclusive Mastermind Training.

For more details on these incredible opportunities, visit Special Education Academy.

Don’t let this moment pass you by. Take the next step in your advocacy journey today!

Feel free to share, comment, and let’s keep the conversation going. Until next time, remember, when we get it right for the child we get it right right for everyone!

The post The Advocate’s Deep Dive into Child Find: Uncovering the Hidden Pathways to Special Education appeared first on Special Education Academy™.

I’m headed into a Due Process hearing August 23-25, 2023 and I invite you to join me via Zoom. This is a rare opportunity to witness a Due Process hearing in action and gain valuable insights into the process.

Whether you’re a parent, educator, advocate, or simply curious about special education law, this experience will deepen your understanding and empower you to advocate with confidence.

Details and registration information are available on my LinkedIn page. You must be prompt!

What is Due Process?

Due Process is a legal safeguard that protects the rights of children with disabilities and their families. It ensures that every decision made about a child’s education is fair, transparent, and in line with the law.

When Might Due Process Come into Play?

Imagine you disagree with your child’s school about an evaluation, an Individualized Education Program (IEP), or placement. You’ve tried to resolve the issue through collaboration and communication, but you’ve reached an impasse. That’s when Due Process becomes your guiding star.

The Two Paths of Due Process ️

1. Mediation: This is a voluntary process where a neutral third party helps both sides reach an agreement. It’s a space for open dialogue, understanding, and collaboration.
2. Due Process Hearing: If mediation doesn’t resolve the issue, you may request a Due Process Hearing. It’s a formal legal proceeding, much like a court trial, where both sides present evidence, and an impartial hearing officer makes a decision.

Navigating with Compassion and Courage

Friends, Due Process is not about confrontation; it’s about seeking justice and ensuring that our children receive the education they deserve. It’s a path that requires courage, preparation, and a heart full of compassion.

Tips for Your Due Process Journey

• Know Your Rights: Familiarize yourself with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and your state’s special education laws.
• Gather Evidence: Collect all relevant documents, evaluations, and communication.
• Seek Support: Consider consulting with a special education advocate or attorney.
• Stay Positive: Approach the process with an open heart and a belief in positive outcomes.

Embrace the Adventure

Due Process is a vital part of our special education landscape. It’s a tool that empowers us to stand up for our children and ensure that their educational rights are honored.

Remember, dear advocates, you’re not alone on this journey. Reach out, ask questions, and believe in the power of love, law, and advocacy.

Keep shining, keep believing, and keep advocating,

‘Remember, when we get it right for the child, we get it right for everyone.’

The post Navigating the Waters of Due Process in Special Education appeared first on Special Education Academy™.

This section is a detailed snapshot of your child’s abilities, needs, and challenges. It’s the cornerstone for the entire IEP. But too often, present levels are vague or missing the details that truly matter. Let me share with you the wisdom I’ve gained from over 20 years of experience.

Craft a Full Picture of Your Child’s School Day

Walk through their typical day, including transportation, meals, transitions, academics, therapies, and behaviors. Identify all the adults and students in each setting. This complete picture is vital!

Come Prepared with Objective Assessment Data

Conduct assessments at home, like a 3-minute reading sample and a writing sample about a favorite topic. Bring this hard data to the table. It’s invaluable.

Fully Describe Needs and Impacts of Disabilities

List all educational eligibilities, but don’t stop there. Paint a 360-degree picture of how disabilities affect learning and life.

Include Relevant Medical and Mental Health Information

Note conditions, medications, allergies, recent tests, doctor appointments, and more.

Get Input from All Educators and Staff Involved

Ensure everyone involved submits feedback on your child’s functioning. Resolve any inconsistencies.

Focus on Functioning, Not Just Test Scores

Standardized test scores don’t always reflect daily life. Push for a robust functional description.

Don’t Move Forward Without Sufficient Present Levels

Without enough detail, the rest of the IEP can’t be calculated. If something’s missing, table the meeting.

Let the Present Levels Guide the Rest of the IEP

Thorough, data-driven present levels set the stage for the entire IEP. Doing it right ensures meaningful access, progress, and better outcomes.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

With rock-solid present levels, you’ll feel more confident knowing your child’s needs are documented. That’s the first step toward meaningful progress.

But why stop here? If you’re eager to equip yourself further, The Academy is here for you. Join me and a community of like-minded parents and advocates. Together, we’ll transform the way we approach special education.

Click here to join The Academy and start your journey today. Let’s ensure that every child receives the services they deserve. When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everyone.

The post Mastering the IEP’s Present Levels Section: Guidance for Parents and Advocates appeared first on Special Education Academy™.

Why attend? What are the benefits of Special Education Academy’s Webinars? These webinars are your key to unlocking a wealth of special education resources. They’re designed to provide personalized learning for parents of special needs students, all from the comfort of your own home.

The Details:

• June 14th, 7 pm/CST: “Parental Procedural Safeguards” – Know your rights, know your responsibilities and be the advocate your child needs.
• June 19th, 6 pm/CST: “Identifying Correct Eligibility Categories and Areas of Need in your IEP” – Let’s make sure your child’s IEP is as unique as they are.
• June 30th, Noon/CST: “Crafting Appropriate IEP Goals for Your Student” – Goals are dreams with deadlines. Let’s dream big and set achievable goals for your child.

These webinars are free but require registration. To register, visit the Special Education Academy Webinar Series page.

Don’t miss this opportunity to become the advocate your child needs.

Register today and let’s get it right for your child!

The post Unlock Your Child’s Potential: The Benefits of Special Education Academy’s Summer Webinar Series appeared first on Special Education Academy™.

The school year is winding down, and summer break is right around the corner. It’s a time when our children settle into their summer routines, but it’s also an opportunity for us to level up as advocates and educators at the IEP/504 table. That’s why I wanted to share – the Special Education Academy has just unveiled its summer training schedule.

Equip Yourself for Success

Now is the perfect time to enhance our skills and knowledge, whether we’re parents looking to brush up on our advocacy skills or professional advocates aiming to expand our expertise. These training sessions offer invaluable resources to empower us in supporting our children and the families we represent. After all, when we’re equipped with the right tools and knowledge, we can create successful outcomes for our students.

Here are just a few highlights from the schedule:

1. Live Streams with Karen Mayer Cunningham: Join Karen, our Special Education Boss, for weekly live sessions on various social media platforms. Get your burning questions about IEPs and more answered directly. Make sure to follow, like, and subscribe to be notified of Karen’s next live stream – you won’t want to miss it!
2. In-Person and Virtual Intensive Training: Ready to take your advocacy skills to the next level? Our comprehensive In-Person Intensive Training program is designed to provide a deep dive into the intricacies of special education advocacy. Become an even more effective advocate for your child or the families you represent. Can’t make it in person? Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered with virtual sessions via Zoom.
3. On-Demand Training: Busy schedule? No problem! Our recorded on-demand sessions allow you to access training materials at your convenience. Learn at your own pace and fit the training into your busy summer schedule.
4. Exclusive Members Only Calls: As a member of the Special Education Academy, you’ll have access to weekly live calls with Karen Mayer Cunningham. These calls are a fantastic opportunity to ask questions, receive additional training, and benefit from dedicated support. Join The Academy and be a part of this exclusive community.

Are you ready to equip yourself for success and make a real difference in the lives of our children? Visit our website to explore the complete training schedule and discover the perfect sessions for your needs. Keep in mind that we’re constantly adding new training options, so make sure to check back frequently.

Remember, the better equipped we are as advocates, the greater the chances of creating positive outcomes for our children. Stay tuned for more updates and announcements as we continue to expand our training offerings.

Here at the Special Education Academy, we’re dedicated to serving you and helping you become the best advocate you can be. Join us this summer and let’s make it a season of growth, learning, and empowering our children!

Team, Special Education Academy™

The post Exciting Summer Training Opportunities at Special Education Academy! appeared first on Special Education Academy™.

My journey for my own child led me to create the Special Education Academy, where our mission is to equip families with the knowledge and resources they need to advocate for their children effectively. This new series is a significant step towards fulfilling that mission.

The Procedural Rights and Safeguards series aims to demystify the world of special education laws, focusing on the rights of both the parent and the student. This series will shed light on these safeguards, which are designed to protect the interests of the child and ensure they receive the free appropriate public education they are entitled to under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

We are discussing procedural safeguards, such as the right to participate in meetings, the right to receive prior written notice, the right to privacy, and the right to dispute resolution processes, among others. Our goal is to ensure you know your rights, understand how to exercise them and feel confident to advocate for your child’s needs.

Live Q&A is a part of the series as I believe that learning from other’s experiences can empower us to navigate our own paths effectively.

Through the Procedural Rights and Safeguards series, my goal is always to create a community of knowledgeable, empowered parents and students. Knowledge truly is power, and when we understand the intricate web of special education laws, we can advocate for our children more effectively and ensure they receive the best possible education.

Not a member of The Academy, join us,  two-week trial, in this journey of empowerment. Your child’s education is a shared responsibility, and you are a critical part of that team. It’s time we take the driver’s seat, armed with knowledge and confidence, to steer our children toward their fullest potential.

As always, keep learning, keep advocating, and remember, when we get it right for the child, we get it right for everyone. 

The post Empowering Parents and Students: Procedural Rights and Safeguards in Special Education appeared first on Special Education Academy™.

ESY services encompass additional educational and related services provided to students with disabilities during breaks in the regular school year. Summer break is just around the corner and now is the time to establish if these services are appropriate, and if your student qualifies, not every student will qualify. However, for those who do, ESY services can significantly impact their educational journey.

The pivotal question: How can a student qualify for ESY? The answer lies in the collaborative efforts of the Individualized Education Program (IEP) team. To establish a student’s eligibility, the team will examine the following criteria:

1. Regression and Recoupment: Will the student lose critical skills during a break, and how long will it take them to regain those skills once school resumes?
2. Degree of Progress: Is the student making progress toward their IEP goals at a satisfactory rate?
3. Emerging Skills: Is the student on the verge of mastering a critical skill, such as reading or self-care, where an interruption in learning could impede their progress?
4. Nature and Severity of Disability: Does the student’s disability necessitate continuous support to prevent significant regression?
5. Special Circumstances: Are there any unique factors or situations that may justify ESY services for the student?

Armed with this knowledge, it’s essential to prepare for the next phase – building a compelling case. Documentation is the backbone of this process. Keep a record of your child’s progress, regression, and recoupment time. Collect work samples, progress reports, and any relevant information to support your case. Remember that collaboration is vital. Engage with your child’s IEP team and maintain open lines of communication.

By diligently gathering evidence and fostering cooperation, we can ensure that ESY services are available to those who need them most. Together, we can guarantee that every child has the opportunity to maintain their progress, even during extended school breaks.

As always, stay committed, and remember … When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everyone.  Continue advocating for the best interests of our children.

If you didn’t get a chance to join our live webinar on April 12, 2023, it’s not too late to catch up. Watch the replay and gain invaluable insights that can help determine if ESY services are the right fit for your child. Click the link below to access the webinar replay ⏯️

Webinar Replay

#ESY #SpecialEducation #WebinarReplay #Advocacy 

The post Demystifying Extended School Year Services: Guidance for Special Education Advocates and Parents appeared first on Special Education Academy™.

Masterminds have become an essential tool for professionals seeking personal and professional growth. They provide a nurturing environment where individuals with similar interests and goals come together to exchange knowledge, ideas, and resources. For special education advocates, joining a mastermind like the Special Education Academy™ Mastermind can be a transformative experience.

Let’s dive into the top five benefits of joining a mastermind group.

1. Networking Opportunities: Masterminds offer a unique platform for professionals to connect and collaborate with others in their field. These connections can lead to new opportunities, partnerships, and friendships that foster personal and professional development.
2. Peer-to-Peer Learning: Participants in masterminds benefit from the collective knowledge, experiences, and insights shared among group members. This collaborative learning environment can spark breakthroughs and inspire innovative problem-solving.
3. Accountability: Mastermind groups provide a space for professionals to hold one another accountable for their goals and actions. This sense of responsibility can serve as a powerful motivator, helping members stay focused and achieve success.
4. Support System: Masterminds offer a built-in support system composed of individuals who understand the unique challenges of your profession. This supportive network can help you navigate obstacles and celebrate victories together.
5. Expert Guidance: Masterminds often feature guest speakers and subject matter experts, ensuring that you stay informed about the latest industry trends and best practices.

Joining a mastermind can be a life-changing experience for any professional, particularly for special education advocates who face unique challenges in their field.

My next Special Education Academy™ 10-week Mastermind begins on March 27, 2023. For 10 weeks (2 hours per session), you’ll have the opportunity to learn and develop the critical skills needed to become a successful and effective special education advocate, all while forming lasting connections with like-minded professionals.

Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your advocacy career and make a profound impact on the lives of children.

It’s time to experience the power of a Mastermind!

The post Unlock Your Potential: The Power of Masterminds for Success appeared first on Special Education Academy™.

Our top priority is always advocating for children. That’s why I continue to offer personalized training for advocates. I am committed to delivering the highest quality training, information, and resources that help you navigate the complex world of special education.

This month, we have two exciting training opportunities. The first is the in-person 2-day Special Education Advocacy Training that is perfect for anyone who wants to understand the IEP/504 process better. The second is the  Mastermind group which starts at the end of the month. This group Mastermind is for professional special education advocates who want to take their advocacy services to the next level. 

The Academy provides weekly training that is a private, paid community. This weekly training gives families, educators, and leaders actionable content, resources, and training to successfully navigate and negotiate successful student outcomes. 

All the information and training are designed to educate and empower anyone who sits at the IEP/504 table and wants to make a difference in a child’s life by ensuring that every child is guaranteed successful student outcomes. I am always working to provide you with the knowledge, best tools, and strategies to advocate effectively for the children in your care. 

Knowledge is power, and we believe that knowledge is often found in books. That’s why I am sharing my Advocate Bookshelf for you to explore if you’re looking to learn more, read more, and gain knowledge.

Thank you for trusting us with your advocacy journey. We look forward to working alongside you to ensure that all children achieve successful student outcomes. And if you have a specific IEP/504 question that has not been answered on one of my live or recorded training sessions, or if you need advocacy services, send me and the team an email. We are here to help!

Remember, when we get it right for the child, we get it right for everyone.

The post Navigating Special Education: High-Quality Resources from Special Education Academy appeared first on Special Education Academy™.