Starting With IEP

How to Disagree in IEP Meetings Without Feeling Intimidated ft. Marielle Mathews | Ep 32

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0400

Have you ever walked out of an IEP meeting feeling overwhelmed, confused, or like decisions were already made without you? That feeling is more common than you think, and it does not mean you have to accept it.

In Episode 32 of Starting with IEP, host Flor de Amelia continues her conversation with Dr. Marielle Mathews to break down what parents need to know when they disagree with the school. This episode goes deeper into your rights, what to do when something doesn’t feel right, and how to advocate for your child without feeling intimidated or shut down.

You will learn how to request an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) at no cost, recognize red flags during IEP meetings, and confidently speak up even when the room feels overwhelming. This conversation also highlights the emotional side of advocacy, from feeling outnumbered to navigating difficult conversations with clarity and confidence.

✨ In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How to disagree in an IEP meeting respectfully and effectively

• What an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE) is and how to request it

• The biggest red flags to watch for during IEP meetings

• Why nothing is final until you give consent

• How to ask for breaks, clarification, or follow-up meetings

• What to do if decisions feel predetermined

• How language barriers and bias can impact communication

• Practical ways to advocate with confidence

Whether you are new to the IEP process or have been navigating it for years, this episode will help you feel more prepared, more informed, and more confident walking into your next meeting.

You are not just part of the team. You are your child’s strongest advocate, and your voice matters.

🎧 Press play when you’re ready. Let’s learn this together.

Episode 32 is now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FlorDeAmelia

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1TC4pMJxQrwcyStNfnc9Rd?si=b77353d4aea34a3d

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/starting-with-iep/id1828187191

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3a1b111a-750f-4c5e-a3c5-38c55ee4e2d4/starting-with-iep

✨ Connect with Dr. Marielle Mathews and explore her knowledge:

Website: https://www.delcopsychservices.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marielle-mathews-psyd-ncsp-27ba7477/

Instagram: @delcopsychservices https://www.instagram.com/delcopsychservices

Facebook: Marielle Mathews https://www.facebook.com/marielle.mathews.psyd

💡 Don’t forget to grab your 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 𝗜𝗘𝗣 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗽 𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗸. Comment IEP PROCESS below.

👉 Parents, has a teacher or school shown you compassion during the IEP journey? Share your experience with us!

Let’s Connect!

Turn IEP stress into confidence. I share useful resources every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday across all my social media platforms.

Podcast Website: http://www.startingwithiep.com/

Website: https://www.flordeamelia.com

For content collaborations, email: flor@flordeamelia.com

#IEP #SpecialEducation #ParentAdvocacy #IEPHelp #SpecialNeedsParent #IEPMeeting #ParentRights #SpecialEducationSupport #IEPTips #AutismSupport #InclusiveEducation #DisabilityAdvocacy #SchoolSupport #ParentEmpowerment #EducationSupport

IEP Meetings: When to Say Yes, When to Say No, and What Schools Won’t Tell You- Marielle Mathews (Ep. 31)

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0400

Have you ever sat in an IEP meeting feeling confused, overwhelmed, or unsure if you can speak up? You are not alone, and more importantly, you are not powerless.

In this episode 31 of Starting with IEP, Flor de Amelia is joined by Dr. Marielle Mathews to break down one of the most misunderstood parts of the IEP process: procedural safeguards and your rights as a parent. Together, they unpack what schools don’t always explain clearly, including when you can say yes, when you can say no, and how to confidently advocate for your child.

You’ll learn how to navigate evaluations, understand consent, and use your rights in a practical way, not just know they exist. This conversation also sheds light on why some parents hesitate to pursue services, how stigma and fear can impact decisions, and how your voice plays a critical role in shaping your child’s support.

By the end of this episode, you will:

Understand what procedural safeguards are and why they matter
Know when you can say yes or no to evaluations and services
Feel more confident participating in IEP meetings
Learn how to review and use your child’s educational records
Recognize how your input directly shapes your child’s IEP

This episode is a must-listen for any parent navigating special education, IEP meetings, or child evaluations. You are not just included at the table, you are essential.

If this episode helped you, share it with another parent who needs support. For more tools, resources, and step-by-step guidance, visit www.startingwithiep.com.

🎧 Press play when you’re ready. Let’s learn this together.

Episode 31 is now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FlorDeAmelia

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1TC4pMJxQrwcyStNfnc9Rd?si=b77353d4aea34a3d

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/starting-with-iep/id1828187191

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3a1b111a-750f-4c5e-a3c5-38c55ee4e2d4/starting-with-iep

✨ Connect with Dr. Marielle Mathews and explore her knowledge:

Website: https://www.delcopsychservices.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marielle-mathews-psyd-ncsp-27ba7477/

Instagram: @delcopsychservices https://www.instagram.com/delcopsychservices?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Facebook: Marielle Mathews https://www.facebook.com/marielle.mathews.psyd?locale=es_LA

💡 Don’t forget to grab your 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 𝗜𝗘𝗣 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗽 𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗸. Comment IEP PROCESS below.

👉 Parents, has a teacher or school shown you compassion during the IEP journey? Share your experience with us!

Let’s Connect!

Turn IEP stress into confidence. I share useful resources every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday across all my social media platforms.

Podcast Website: http://www.startingwithiep.com/

Website: https://www.flordeamelia.com

For content collaborations, email: flor@flordeamelia.com

#IEPHelp #SpecialEducationSupport #ParentAdvocacy #IEPMeeting #SpecialNeedsParent #IEPTips #ParentRights #EducationSupport #AutismSupport #LearningDisabilities #IEPGoals #ParentEmpowerment #SchoolSupport #IEPProcess #SpecialEducation

What Schools Won’t Tell You About ESY, 1:1 Support, and IEP Decisions

Wed, 25 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0400

ESY services and one-to-one support are some of the most misunderstood parts of the IEP process. Many families are told their child “needs” these services, only to realize that decisions are not always clearly explained or grounded in meaningful data. When this happens, services can become routine instead of purposeful, and may not truly support the child’s growth.

This conversation is for parents who have been encouraged to accept ESY without understanding why, questioned whether a one-to-one aide is truly helping or creating dependence, or felt unsure if school recommendations align with their child’s real-life needs. We unpack common misconceptions, including the belief that ESY will “catch students up,” and discuss how services should focus on preventing regression, supporting independence, and aligning with family priorities .

🌱 In this episode, we explore:

✨ How ESY eligibility should be determined using data, not assumptions or routine decisions

✨ The difference between skill regression vs. true need for extended services

✨ Why ESY is not meant to “fix” a disability or accelerate progress overnight

✨ How family priorities and real-life experiences (like inclusion programs or family time) should be part of decision-making

✨ When a one-to-one aide is genuinely warranted and what data should support it

✨ How one-to-one support can be misused, leading to over-prompting and dependence

✨ Why trying multiple strategies first matters before jumping to more restrictive supports

✨ The importance of classroom observations to ensure services are actually implemented correctly

✨ How schools and families can work as true partners by offering options, not just one solution

✨ Why the most effective decisions always come back to one question: what is truly in the best interest of the child

If you’ve ever been unsure whether ESY is truly necessary, questioned if a one-to-one aide is helping or creating dependence, or felt like decisions were made without fully considering your child’s needs, this episode offers clarity and practical insight. Understanding how these supports should be determined, through data, collaboration, and real-life priorities can help families advocate more confidently while encouraging schools to make decisions that genuinely serve the student.

🎧 Press play when you’re ready. Let’s learn this together.

Episode 30 is now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FlorDeAmelia

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1TC4pMJxQrwcyStNfnc9Rd?si=b77353d4aea34a3d

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/starting-with-iep/id1828187191

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3a1b111a-750f-4c5e-a3c5-38c55ee4e2d4/starting-with-iep

✨ Connect with Michael and explore his knowledge:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mapummer1962/

📲 Let’s Connect!

Turn IEP stress into confidence. I share useful resources every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday across all my social platforms.

Podcast Website: http://www.startingwithiep.com/

Website: https://www.flordeamelia.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/starting-with-iep

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StartingWithIEP

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flordeamelia_ebs/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/flordeameliahoffman/

For content collaborations, email: flor@flordeamelia.com

#ESY #ExtendedSchoolYear #SpecialEducation #IEP #IEPServices #SpecialEdParents #ParentAdvocacy #InclusionMatters #InclusiveEducation #AutismSupport #DisabilitySupport #SpecialNeedsParenting #OneToOneSupport #IEPTeam #EducationAdvocacy #ParentTeacherPartnership #SpecialEducationPodcast #IEPTips #StudentCentered #FunctionalLearning #LifeSkillsLearning #TransitionPlanning #SpecialEducationHelp #IEPMeeting #SupportNotSegregation #ParentEmpowerment #DisabilityAwareness #InclusiveSummer #SpecialEdLife #EducationPodcast

Episode 29: Is Your Child’s IEP Too Long… or Just Done Right? (What Schools Won’t Tell You)

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0400

IEPs are meant to support students, but many families are told their plan is “too long,” “too detailed,” or “too complicated.” In Episode 29, we continue the conversation with Michael Plummer to unpack why that mindset can be harmful and what truly individualized planning should look like.

This episode explores what happens behind the scenes in special education leadership. From the realities of writing IEPs to the systems schools should have in place to monitor services, we discuss why transparency, strong documentation, and open communication matter for both families and educators.

Most importantly, we talk about how schools and parents can move from conflict to partnership, because when trust breaks down, it’s the student who ultimately pays the price.

🌱 In this episode, we explore:

✨ Why some IEPs are long and why that can actually be a good thing

✨ The difference between meaningful goals and “copy-paste” IEP writing

✨ Why schools should never lump students together under the same disability label

✨ How leadership inside IEP meetings shapes the entire experience for families

✨ What parents can request if they suspect services are not being delivered as written

✨ Why service logs and documentation matter more than most families realize

✨ The chain of communication families should follow before filing a complaint

✨ Why transparency from schools builds trust even when services are difficult to provide

✨ How educators and families can refocus conversations on what truly matters: the student

If you’ve ever been told your child’s IEP was “too much,” questioned whether services were actually delivered, or struggled to be heard in a meeting, this conversation offers clarity and practical insight. Understanding how IEP systems work and how collaboration should function can help families advocate more effectively while helping schools build stronger partnerships that truly support students.

🎧 Press play when you’re ready. Let’s learn this together.

Episode 29 is now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FlorDeAmelia

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1TC4pMJxQrwcyStNfnc9Rd?si=b77353d4aea34a3d

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/starting-with-iep/id1828187191

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3a1b111a-750f-4c5e-a3c5-38c55ee4e2d4/starting-with-iep

✨ Connect with Michael and explore his knowledge:

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mapummer1962/

📲 Let’s Connect!

Turn IEP stress into confidence. I share useful resources every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday across all my social platforms.

Podcast Website: http://www.startingwithiep.com/

Website: https://www.flordeamelia.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/starting-with-iep

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StartingWithIEP

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flordeamelia_ebs/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/flordeameliahoffman/

For content collaborations, email: flor@flordeamelia.com

#IEP #SpecialEducation #IEPMeeting #IEPGoals #IEPProcess #SpecialEdParents #ParentAdvocacy #IEPAdvocacy #SpecialEducationSupport #DisabilitySupport #AutismSupport #IEPTips #EducationAdvocacy #ParentTeacherPartnership #SpecialEdTeacher #IEPData #StudentCentered #InclusiveEducation #IEPServices #SpecialNeedsParenting #EducationMatters #SchoolCollaboration #IEPPlanning #ProgressMonitoring #IEPCompliance #ServiceDelivery #SpecialEducationLaw #ParentRights #IEPHelp #EducationPodcast

Episode 28: What Every Parent Must Know About Transition IEP Planning

Wed, 04 Mar 2026 20:30:00 -0400

Transition IEPs are one of the most critical parts of special education, yet they are often treated like a formality instead of a roadmap to adulthood. When transition planning is vague, delayed, or reduced to a single page in the IEP, students miss meaningful opportunities to build real-world skills before they exit the school system

In Episode 28, I walk through what a Transition IEP actually requires under IDEA, when it must begin, and how it should shape the entire IEP, not just senior year planning. We break down measurable post-secondary goals in education and training, employment, and independent living, and discuss why those goals must be grounded in age-appropriate transition assessments rather than assumptions or copy-and-paste language

This episode is for parents who are unsure whether transition activities are truly happening during the school year, who see generic future goals without clear services attached, or who are starting to ask bigger questions about adulthood, independence, and long-term support. I also share personal reflections on internships, supported employment, self-advocacy, and why transition planning should feel like a relay race, not a last-minute scramble at graduation

Understanding the Transition IEP is not just about compliance. It is about intentionally building a future, one that aligns with your child’s strengths, needs, and vision for adult life.

🌱 In this episode, we explore:

✨ Why transition planning should begin in early adolescence, not senior year

✨ The legal foundation of transition IEPs under IDEA (and earlier start ages in some states)

✨ The difference between a “checkbox” transition page and a true roadmap to adulthood

✨ How to shift the question from “How is my child doing in school?” to “What adult life are we building?”

✨ The three required post-secondary goal areas: education/training, employment, and independent living

✨ Why post-secondary goals must be measurable and specific, not vague aspirations

✨ How schools must use age-appropriate transition assessments (not guesses or copy-paste goals)

✨ The types of transition assessments parents should ask about (interest inventories, vocational assessments, adaptive behavior data, situational work experiences, etc.)

✨ The real reason transition plans often fall apart, lack of data and lack of implementation

✨ How schools vary widely in quality and consistency of transition services

If you are early in the IEP process and feeling overwhelmed by documents that do not seem to add up, this episode is meant to ground you. When present levels are clear and data-informed, the entire IEP becomes a tool for forward movement rather than repetition.

🎧 Press play when you’re ready. Let’s learn this together.

Episode 28 is now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FlorDeAmelia

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1TC4pMJxQrwcyStNfnc9Rd?si=b77353d4aea34a3d

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/starting-with-iep/id1828187191

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3a1b111a-750f-4c5e-a3c5-38c55ee4e2d4/starting-with-iep

📲 Let’s Connect!

Turn IEP stress into confidence. I share useful resources every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday across all my social platforms.

Podcast Website: http://www.startingwithiep.com/

Website: https://www.flordeamelia.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/starting-with-iep

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StartingWithIEP

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flordeamelia_ebs/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/flordeameliahoffman/

For content collaborations, email: flor@flordeamelia.com

#IEP #SpecialEducation #BaselineData #ParentAdvocacy #IEPTips #SpecialNeedsParenting #IEPMeetings #EarlyIntervention #StudentProgress #IEPGoals #IEPStrategies #EducationForAll #InclusiveEducation #ChildDevelopment #EducationTips #IEPTransition #AdultLife

Ep. 27 ft. Marielle Mathews: A School Psychologist POV on IEP Eligibility & Educational Impact

Wed, 25 Feb 2026 16:00:00 -0400

IEP eligibility is one of the most misunderstood parts of special education. Many families walk into their first evaluation meeting believing that a medical diagnosis automatically guarantees an IEP, only to discover that the process is more nuanced than they expected. In Episode 27, we sit down with licensed school psychologist Marielle Mathews to unpack what eligibility truly means, how decisions are made, and why educational impact matters more than labels.

This conversation is not about gatekeeping services or minimizing diagnoses. It is about clarifying the difference between a medical diagnosis and an educational disability under IDEA, and helping families understand how schools interpret data when determining eligibility. If you have ever wondered why a child with ADHD, anxiety, autism, or another diagnosis was found ineligible, this episode provides clarity, language, and practical insight.

🌱 In this episode, we explore:

✨ The critical difference between a medical diagnosis and IEP eligibility

✨ The two-prong test schools use to determine eligibility

✨ How educational impact is defined and measured

✨ Why a child can qualify without a formal diagnosis

✨ How cognitive, academic, behavioral, and social-emotional data interact

✨ When test scores carry more weight and when they should not

✨ Why standard scores may not reflect real-life progress

✨ How reevaluations differ from progress monitoring

✨ The emotional experience of families in eligibility meetings

✨ What parents should understand before walking into their first IEP meeting

✨ How transition planning and documentation affect adulthood and state services

If you have ever left an eligibility meeting feeling confused about how decisions were made, this episode will help you better understand the framework schools use and how to advocate strategically within it. Knowledge reduces fear, and when families understand the system, they can participate in the process with greater confidence and clarity.

🎧 Listen to Episode 27 on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or watch on YouTube.

www.youtube.com/@FlorDeAmelia

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1TC4pMJxQrwcyStNfnc9Rd?si=b77353d4aea34a3d

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/starting-with-iep/id1828187191

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3a1b111a-750f-4c5e-a3c5-38c55ee4e2d4/starting-with-iep

✨ Connect with Marielle and explore his knowledge:

Website: https://www.delcopsychservices.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/marielle-mathews-psyd-ncsp-27ba7477/

Instagram: @delcopsychservices https://www.instagram.com/delcopsychservices?utm_source=ig_web_button_share_sheet&igsh=ZDNlZDc0MzIxNw==

Facebook: Marielle Mathews https://www.facebook.com/marielle.mathews.psyd?locale=es_LA

💡 Don’t forget to grab your 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 𝗜𝗘𝗣 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗽 𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗸. Comment IEP PROCESS below.

👉 Parents, has a teacher or school shown you compassion during the IEP journey? Share your experience with us!

Let’s Connect!

Turn IEP stress into confidence. I share useful resources every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday across all my social media platforms.

Podcast Website: http://www.startingwithiep.com/

Website: https://www.flordeamelia.com

For content collaborations, email: flor@flordeamelia.com

#ExecutiveFunctioning #ADHDParentSupport #IEPHelp #ParentingNeurodivergentKids #MichaelPlummer #FlorDeAmelia #StartingwithIEPPodcast #ParentConfidence #SpecialEducation #AutismParenting #IEPJourney #EmotionalRegulation #ParentSupport #Admin #AdminSupport #Retention #Diploma #Certificate

Episode 26: IEP Trauma and Trust: How Strong Admin Leadership Shapes Parent-School Partnerships

Wed, 18 Feb 2026 13:00:00 -0400

IEP meetings can shape a family’s entire educational journey, yet many parents leave feeling unheard, overwhelmed, or uncertain about the decisions being made. In Episode 26, we continue the conversation with Michael Plummer to explore the emotional side of IEP leadership and how trust, communication, and collaboration influence outcomes for students and families.

This episode goes beyond policies and procedures to focus on the human experience inside IEP meetings. We unpack how leadership styles, team dynamics, and the way data is shared can either build confidence or create lasting IEP trauma. From diploma versus certificate track decisions to student self-advocacy, this conversation highlights how schools and parents can move from conflict toward true partnership.

This conversation is not about blaming schools or parents. It is about understanding how power dynamics, communication choices, and decision-making processes affect families and how meaningful collaboration can change a child’s experience. If you’ve ever felt dismissed in an IEP meeting or unsure how to navigate difficult discussions, this episode will give you language, perspective, and practical guidance.

🌱 In this episode, we explore:

✨ How leadership and communication shape the tone of IEP meetings

✨ Why parents often feel unheard and how trust can be rebuilt

✨ The emotional impact of diploma vs certificate track decisions

✨ How data should be explained so families truly understand it

✨ The importance of student voice and self-advocacy in planning

✨ Strategies for reducing conflict and improving team collaboration

✨ How schools can move from authority to partnership with families

✨ Practical ways parents can prepare for difficult IEP conversations

✨ What meaningful support and long-term planning should look like

If you’ve ever walked away from an IEP meeting feeling confused, emotional, or unsure of what comes next, this episode is for you. Understanding the human side of IEP leadership helps families advocate with confidence, build stronger partnerships, and make informed decisions that truly support their child’s future.

🎧 Listen to Episode 26 on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or watch on YouTube.

www.youtube.com/@FlorDeAmelia

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1TC4pMJxQrwcyStNfnc9Rd?si=b77353d4aea34a3d

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/starting-with-iep/id1828187191

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3a1b111a-750f-4c5e-a3c5-38c55ee4e2d4/starting-with-iep

✨ Connect with Michael and explore his knowledge:

LinkedIn: Michael A. Plummer

💡 Don’t forget to grab your 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 𝗜𝗘𝗣 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗽 𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗸. Comment IEP PROCESS below.

👉 Parents, has a teacher or school shown you compassion during the IEP journey? Share your experience with us!

Let’s Connect!

Turn IEP stress into confidence. I share useful resources every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday across all my social media platforms.

Podcast Website: http://www.startingwithiep.com/

Website: https://www.flordeamelia.com

For content collaborations, email: flor@flordeamelia.com

Episode 25: Mastering IEP Decisions: Retention, Advocacy, and Admin Insight

Wed, 11 Feb 2026 15:00:00 -0400

Grade retention is one of the most complex and emotional decisions in special education. Families often feel torn between academic data, emotional readiness, and school recommendations, without fully understanding how IEP teams actually make these decisions.

In Episode 25, I talk with Michael Plummer about what really happens behind grade retention discussions, diploma track decisions, and IEP team conversations. This episode goes beyond simple explanations and explores how schools weigh data, developmental factors, and long-term outcomes when determining whether retention is appropriate.

This conversation is not about labeling retention as good or bad. It is about understanding the factors that influence these decisions, the role of parents in the process, and why the same child can be viewed so differently depending on perspective. If you’ve ever felt unsure about whether retention is the right path or confused by the reasoning shared in meetings, this episode will give you clarity, language, and insight.

🌱 In this episode, we explore:

✨ How IEP teams evaluate grade retention and diploma track decisions

✨ The difference between academic performance and developmental readiness

✨ Why retention decisions often feel inconsistent or unclear to families

✨ The role of data, assessments, and professional judgment in IEP meetings

✨ Emotional, social, and long-term impacts of retention

✨ How parents can meaningfully participate in retention discussions

✨ Common misunderstandings about retention in special education

✨ Practical guidance for interpreting school recommendations

✨ Strategies for advocating effectively during IEP conversations

If you’ve ever left an IEP meeting feeling uncertain about a retention decision, this episode is for you. Understanding how these decisions are made doesn’t just clarify the process—it empowers families to ask better questions, advocate with confidence, and make informed choices about their child’s educational path.

🎧 Listen to Episode 25 on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or watch on YouTube.

www.youtube.com/@FlorDeAmelia

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1TC4pMJxQrwcyStNfnc9Rd?si=b77353d4aea34a3d

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/starting-with-iep/id1828187191

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3a1b111a-750f-4c5e-a3c5-38c55ee4e2d4/starting-with-iep

✨ Connect with Michael and explore his knowledge:

LinkedIn: Michael A. Plummer

💡 Don’t forget to grab your 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 𝗜𝗘𝗣 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗽 𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗸. Comment IEP PROCESS below.

👉 Parents, has a teacher or school shown you compassion during the IEP journey? Share your experience with us!

Let’s Connect!

Turn IEP stress into confidence. I share useful resources every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday across all my social media platforms.

Podcast Website: http://www.startingwithiep.com/

Website: https://www.flordeamelia.com

For content collaborations, email: flor@flordeamelia.com

Episode 24: Why OT Eligibility Varies: How Therapist Approaches Shape School vs. Private OT

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 12:00:00 -0400

Occupational therapy is one of the most misunderstood services in special education. Families are often told their child “doesn’t qualify” for school-based OT while simultaneously paying for private OT multiple times a week.

In Episode 24, I talk with occupational therapist Cody Lukasik about the real reasons behind this disconnect. This conversation goes beyond surface-level explanations and dives into how schools define educational impact, how private practice defines clinical need, and why those two frameworks often collide instead of align.

This episode is not about blaming schools or therapists. It is about understanding how eligibility decisions are made, how training and interpretation shape outcomes, and why a child can clearly struggle yet still be found “not eligible” in the IEP process. If you’ve ever wondered why your child receives private OT but not school-based OT, or felt that the explanations in meetings were incomplete or overly technical, this episode will give you language, clarity, and context.

Cody explains how occupational therapy actually works in educational settings, why compensatory strategies often replace rehabilitation, and how underlying skills like visual-motor processing, sequencing, and sensory integration are frequently overlooked in eligibility decisions.

🌱 In this episode, we explore:

✨ The difference between educational impact and clinical need in OT eligibility

✨ Why a child can receive private OT but not qualify for school-based OT

✨ How standardized assessments shape school decisions

✨ The hidden skills behind tasks like writing, cutting, and gluing

✨ Visual-motor, sensory, and cognitive factors that affect academic performance

✨ The role of training and continuing education in OT evaluations

✨ Why accommodations often replace true skill-building in schools

✨ The immersion model and what integrated therapy in classrooms can look like

✨ Common misunderstandings families have about OT under IDEA

✨ Practical insights to help parents interpret evaluations and IEP decisions

If you’ve ever left an IEP meeting feeling that the explanations didn’t fully reflect your child’s needs, this episode is for you. Understanding how occupational therapy is interpreted across settings doesn’t just clarify eligibility, it gives families a stronger foundation to question, advocate, and push for services that address the underlying skills, not just the visible symptoms.

🎧 Listen to Episode 24 on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or watch on YouTube.

www.youtube.com/@FlorDeAmelia

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1TC4pMJxQrwcyStNfnc9Rd?si=b77353d4aea34a3d

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/starting-with-iep/id1828187191

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3a1b111a-750f-4c5e-a3c5-38c55ee4e2d4/starting-with-iep

✨ Connect with Cody and explore his knowledge:

Website: https://www.emergingkids.org/

Instagram: @emergingkidsot

Facebook: Emerging Kids Pediatric Occupational Therapy

💡 Don’t forget to grab your 𝗙𝗥𝗘𝗘 𝗜𝗘𝗣 𝗣𝗿𝗲𝗽 𝗣𝗮𝗰𝗸. Comment IEP PROCESS below.

👉 Parents, has a teacher or school shown you compassion during the IEP journey? Share your experience with us!

Let’s Connect!

Turn IEP stress into confidence. I share useful resources every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday across all my social media platforms.

Podcast Website: http://www.startingwithiep.com/

Website: https://www.flordeamelia.com

For content collaborations, email: flor@flordeamelia.com

#ExecutiveFunctioning #ADHDParentSupport #IEPHelp #ParentingNeurodivergentKids #OT #PWN #CEUs #OccupationalTherapy #FlorDeAmelia #CodyLukasik #StartingwithIEPPodcast #ParentConfidence #SpecialEducation #AutismParenting #IEPJourney #EmotionalRegulation #ParentSupport

Episode 23: Present Levels and Why IEP Goals Fall Apart Without Them

Wed, 28 Jan 2026 11:00:00 -0400

Present levels of performance are one of the most important parts of an IEP, yet they are often vague, outdated, or disconnected from real data. When present levels are weak, goals stop being individualized and progress becomes performative instead of meaningful.

In Episode 23, I explain what present levels actually are, why they matter, and how they serve as the foundation for every IEP goal. This episode is not about blaming schools or creating conflict. It is about clarity, alignment, and making sure goals reflect where your child truly is.

This conversation is for parents who read present levels that feel generic or overly positive, notice goals that repeat year after year, or sense that services are being justified without a clear explanation of need. I break down how weak present levels undermine the IEP, why legally sound goals depend on them, and how poor present levels lead to stalled progress and missed opportunities.

Drawing on professional experience and real-world examples, this episode explains present levels in plain language, shows how they should reflect both strengths and needs, and offers practical ways parents can ask better questions without being labeled difficult. Understanding present levels does not just improve paperwork. It restores logic, accountability, and purpose to the entire IEP.

🌱 In this episode, I cover:

✨ What present levels actually are and what they are not

✨ Why present levels are the foundation of every IEP goal

✨ How weak present levels lead to misaligned or recycled goals

✨ The difference between descriptive language and functional data

✨ Common red flags in poorly written present levels

✨ Why goals must be traceable back to present levels

✨ The legal role of present levels under IDEA

✨ How strong present levels protect against stalled progress

✨ Practical, parent-friendly ways to review and question present levels

✨ How understanding present levels supports confident advocacy

🎧 Press play when you’re ready. Let’s learn this together.

Episode 23 is now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FlorDeAmelia

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1TC4pMJxQrwcyStNfnc9Rd?si=b77353d4aea34a3d

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/starting-with-iep/id1828187191

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3a1b111a-750f-4c5e-a3c5-38c55ee4e2d4/starting-with-iep

📲 Let’s Connect!

Turn IEP stress into confidence. I share useful resources every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday across all my social platforms.

Podcast Website: http://www.startingwithiep.com/

Website: https://www.flordeamelia.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/starting-with-iep

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StartingWithIEP

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flordeamelia_ebs/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/flordeameliahoffman/

For content collaborations, email: flor@flordeamelia.com

Episode 22: Baseline Data and the Difference Between Real and Artificial Progress

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 18:00:00 -0400

Baseline data is one of the most important parts of an IEP, yet it’s often rushed, vague, or poorly explained. Without it, progress becomes subjective, goals can be recycled, and parents lose real leverage in advocating for their child.

In Episode 22, I unpack what baseline data really is, why it matters, and how understanding it changes the way parents approach IEP meetings. This episode is not about catching schools doing something wrong or creating conflict, it’s about clarity, accountability, and making informed decisions that ensure your child truly moves forward.

This conversation is for parents who have seen progress reports that “feel” positive but don’t match what they observe at home, who hear phrases like “we feel progress is happening” without concrete evidence, or who realize goals were written without a clear starting point. I explain how strong baseline data turns opinions into facts, why legally measurable goals require it, and how missing or poorly collected baselines can lead to artificial progress, stalled goals, and lost years.

Drawing on professional expertise and real-life examples, this episode breaks down baseline data in plain language, shows how it should be written, and provides practical steps parents can take - without being labeled difficult. Understanding baseline data doesn’t just change paperwork; it changes conversations, power dynamics, and outcomes.

🌱 In this episode, I cover:

✨ What baseline data actually is, and what it is not

✨ Why baseline data is the foundation of every IEP goal and service

✨ Common examples of weak vs. strong baseline statements

✨ How missing or low baselines create artificial progress

✨ Why subjective progress is dangerous for students

✨ How baseline data protects against wasted years and recycled goals

✨ The legal importance of baseline data under IDEA

✨ Practical, parent-friendly steps to request and review baseline data

✨ How baseline data helps parents advocate with confidence, not conflict

If you are in the early months of intervention and questioning whether you are doing enough, this episode is meant to ground you. You are not falling behind. You are building a foundation. Early intervention works best when it is intentional, paced, and rooted in understanding rather than fear.

🎧 Press play when you’re ready. Let’s learn this together.

Episode 22 is now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FlorDeAmelia

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1TC4pMJxQrwcyStNfnc9Rd?si=b77353d4aea34a3d

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/starting-with-iep/id1828187191

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3a1b111a-750f-4c5e-a3c5-38c55ee4e2d4/starting-with-iep

📲 Let’s Connect!

Turn IEP stress into confidence. I share useful resources every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday across all my social platforms.

Podcast Website: http://www.startingwithiep.com/

Website: https://www.flordeamelia.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/starting-with-iep

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StartingWithIEP

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flordeamelia_ebs/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/flordeameliahoffman/

For content collaborations, email: flor@flordeamelia.com

Episode 21: What Early Intervention Progress Really Looks Like in the First Six Months

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 15:15:00 -0400

Early intervention does not feel loud or urgent in the beginning. It often feels quiet, slow, and filled with doubt. Families start to wonder whether anything is actually happening, whether progress should look different, or whether they should be pushing harder for more services. Those questions are rarely answered clearly, and that uncertainty can be just as heavy as the diagnosis itself.

In Episode 21, I walk parents through what the first six months of early intervention are truly designed to do and why this phase often feels invisible. This episode is not about adding more therapy, rushing milestones, or jumping ahead to school-based services. It is about understanding the foundational work that determines whether early intervention will actually support long-term progress or simply become another source of stress.

This conversation is for parents who are already receiving early intervention but feel unsettled by the pace, the lack of visible skill gains, or the pressure to do more. I explain what professionals are observing during the early months, why baseline data matters more than most families realize, and how early regulation and engagement set the stage for later learning and IEP success.

Drawing from professional expertise and lived experience, this episode reframes progress, normalizes regression, and clarifies why quality and consistency matter far more than volume. It also shows families how the data they are gathering now quietly prepares them to become stronger advocates when school-based services begin.

🌱 In this episode, I cover:

✨ What is actually happening during the first 30 days of early intervention

✨ Why observation and baseline data are critical and often misunderstood

✨ What real progress looks like in the first 90 days

✨ Why regulation and engagement come before skill acquisition

✨ The most common early intervention mistakes in the first six months

✨ Why more services do not always lead to better outcomes

✨ How early intervention quietly prepares families for future IEP meetings

✨ Why regression does not mean failure and comparison undermines clarity

🎧 Press play when you’re ready. Let’s learn this together.

Episode 21 is now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FlorDeAmelia

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1TC4pMJxQrwcyStNfnc9Rd?si=b77353d4aea34a3d

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/starting-with-iep/id1828187191

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3a1b111a-750f-4c5e-a3c5-38c55ee4e2d4/starting-with-iep

📲 Let’s Connect!

Turn IEP stress into confidence. I share useful resources every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday across all my social platforms.

Podcast Website: http://www.startingwithiep.com/

Website: https://www.flordeamelia.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/starting-with-iep

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StartingWithIEP

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flordeamelia_ebs/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/flordeameliahoffman/

For content collaborations, email: flor@flordeamelia.com

#IEPTransition #ChildFind #IFSP #SpecialNeedsParenting #IEPSupport #TransitionPlanning #AutismParenting #VocationalRehabilitation #LifeSkills #AdultServices #DisabilityAdvocacy #StartingWithIEPPodcast #FlorDeAmelia

Episode 20: Early Intervention for Infants and Toddlers and the Path to the IEP

Wed, 07 Jan 2026 14:00:00 -0400

Early intervention doesn’t begin with a school meeting or an IEP document. It begins in the quiet moments when something feels off and you are deciding whether to trust your instincts or wait it out. That decision carries more weight than most families are ever told.

In Episode 20, I walk parents through the Infants and Toddlers Program under IDEA Part C and why early intervention is not about rushing a child, labeling them, or doing something “too soon.” It is about responding while the brain is most flexible and before families are left trying to make up lost ground later.

This episode is for parents who are newly navigating a diagnosis, living in uncertainty without answers yet, or hesitating to make the call because they fear paperwork, judgment, or being told to wait. I share what early intervention actually looks like in real homes, how eligibility works, what services truly include, and the things I wish someone had explained to me before I learned them the hard way.

This conversation blends lived experience, advocacy guidance, and research to reframe early intervention as support, not scrutiny and as preparation, not pressure. It is about empowering families before the IEP process even begins.

🌱 Here’s what I walk you through in this episode:

✨ What the Infants and Toddlers Program really is and what it is not

✨ Why you do not need a diagnosis to request an evaluation

✨ How early intervention supports parents, not just children

✨ Why progress is not linear and why that is normal

✨ How IFSPs differ from IEPs and why the transition should never be a surprise

✨ What research shows about timing and long-term outcomes

✨ Why your concerns and intuition matter just as much as test scores

If you are standing at the very beginning of this journey and wondering whether it is too early to ask for help, this episode is your permission to act. You are not behind. You are being responsive. Early support is not an overreaction, it is an investment in your child and in yourself as an advocate.

🎧 Press play when you’re ready. Let’s learn this together.

🔗 Visit DORS: https://dors.maryland.gov

Episode 19 is now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FlorDeAmelia

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1TC4pMJxQrwcyStNfnc9Rd?si=b77353d4aea34a3d

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/starting-with-iep/id1828187191

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3a1b111a-750f-4c5e-a3c5-38c55ee4e2d4/starting-with-iep

📲 Let’s Connect!

Turn IEP stress into confidence. I share useful resources every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday across all my social platforms.

Podcast Website: http://www.startingwithiep.com/

Website: https://www.flordeamelia.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/starting-with-iep

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StartingWithIEP

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flordeamelia_ebs/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/flordeameliahoffman/

For content collaborations, email: flor@flordeamelia.com

Episode 19: The Power of Parent Networks in Navigating the IEP Process

Wed, 31 Dec 2025 16:30:00 -0400

IEP meetings don’t just test your knowledge of special education, they test your emotional endurance. The self-doubt, the second-guessing, the feeling that everyone else knows something you don’t, it can be isolating in ways few people talk about.

In Episode 19, I’m addressing one of the most overlooked yet powerful factors in a parent’s IEP journey: building a parent support network. This episode is for the parents who leave meetings replaying every word they said, wondering if they were too much (or not enough) and for those navigating this system feeling completely alone.

I share why IEP outcomes are shaped not only by what happens in the meeting, but by how supported, informed, and regulated you feel outside of it. This episode blends lived experience, advocacy insight, and research-backed guidance to show why community is not optional: it’s protective.

🌱 Here’s what I walk you through in this episode:

✨ Why parent networks change how families experience IEP meetings

✨ How peer support helps regulate emotions before and after meetings

✨ Why feeling “behind” doesn’t mean you’re failing—it means the system wasn’t built for families

✨ How connected parents recognize patterns instead of isolated incidents

✨ National and local parent support resources every family should know about

✨ How informed, supported parents advocate with clarity and confidence

✨ Why community directly impacts IEP quality and long-term outcomes

If you’ve ever felt isolated, overwhelmed, or unsure of yourself as an advocate, this episode is a reminder that strength does not come from doing this alone. Support is not a luxury, it’s a strategy.

🎧 Press play when you’re ready. Let’s learn this together.

🔗 Visit DORS: https://dors.maryland.gov

Episode 19 is now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FlorDeAmelia

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1TC4pMJxQrwcyStNfnc9Rd?si=b77353d4aea34a3d

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/starting-with-iep/id1828187191

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3a1b111a-750f-4c5e-a3c5-38c55ee4e2d4/starting-with-iep

📲 Let’s Connect!

Turn IEP stress into confidence. I share useful resources every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday across all my social platforms.

Podcast Website: http://www.startingwithiep.com/

Website: https://www.flordeamelia.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/starting-with-iep

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StartingWithIEP

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flordeamelia_ebs/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/flordeameliahoffman/

For content collaborations, email: flor@flordeamelia.com

Episode 18: Newly Diagnosed and Overwhelmed - What Families Must Do First

Wed, 24 Dec 2025 16:45:00 -0400

Receiving a diagnosis can feel like the ground has shifted beneath you. The fear, the grief, the questions, and the pressure to “do the right thing” all arrive at once. I know this feeling deeply.

In Episode 18, I’m speaking directly to newly diagnosed families and to the parents who are quietly wondering if they should be doing more, sooner. I share the moments I wish someone had prepared me for, the mistakes that come from being told to “wait and see,” and the systems that are meant to support you—but only if you know how to access them.

This episode is part guidance, part lived experience, and part reminder that you are not late, you are not failing, and you are not alone.

🌱 Here’s what I walk you through in this episode:

✨ Why a diagnosis is not a label, but a key to services and protection

✨ The most common advice that delays early intervention—and why it’s harmful

✨ Who to call first and how to build the right medical and educational team

✨ The difference between IFSP, IEP, and Child Find—and when each one applies

✨ Why early action protects not just your child, but your family’s mental health

✨ Practical steps you can take right now, even if you feel overwhelmed

If you’re at the beginning of this journey, or supporting someone who is, I hope this episode brings clarity, reassurance, and a sense of direction. You do not have to figure this out by yourself.

🎧 Press play when you’re ready. Let’s learn this together.

🔗 Visit DORS: https://dors.maryland.gov

Episode 18 is now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FlorDeAmelia

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1TC4pMJxQrwcyStNfnc9Rd?si=b77353d4aea34a3d

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/starting-with-iep/id1828187191

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3a1b111a-750f-4c5e-a3c5-38c55ee4e2d4/starting-with-iep

📲 Let’s Connect!

Turn IEP stress into confidence. I share useful resources every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday across all my social platforms.

Podcast Website: http://www.startingwithiep.com/

Website: https://www.flordeamelia.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/starting-with-iep

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StartingWithIEP

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flordeamelia_ebs/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/flordeameliahoffman/

For content collaborations, email: flor@flordeamelia.com

Episode 17: From Transition IEPs to Real Jobs - What Families Need to Do Before It Is Too Late

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 22:00:00 -0400

Planning for adulthood started early for me, long before Aliyah reached her teenage years. I realized quickly that her adulthood was going to look very different from other kids, and if I wanted her to have the best possible future, I needed to understand transition IEPs, DORS, and the services that support young adults with disabilities.

In this episode, I’m sharing my own journey. The emotional moments, the unexpected roadblocks, the misinformation that almost kept Aliyah from qualifying for programs, and the “trust but verify” lesson I wish every parent knew. I talk about the day I realized not every beautiful program was meant for her, why I pushed to start transition planning earlier than the school suggested, and how Aliyah’s internship surprised me in the best way.

🌱 Here’s what I walk you through in this episode:

✨ What a transition IEP really means and why you shouldn’t wait to learn about it

✨ Why starting early prevents isolation, regression, and the painful gap year after graduation

✨ What DORS is, who qualifies, and how it supports our kids in building real job skills

✨ Why you should never assume your child is “not eligible” for services

✨ How my expectations for Aliyah changed when I saw her thriving at work

✨ Action steps you can take TODAY to strengthen your child’s transition plan

If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed or unsure about what adulthood will look like for your child, I hope my story helps you feel more prepared, more confident, and less alone.

🎧 Press play when you’re ready. Let’s learn this together.

🔗 Visit DORS: https://dors.maryland.gov

Episode 17 is now streaming on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and YouTube.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FlorDeAmelia

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/1TC4pMJxQrwcyStNfnc9Rd?si=b77353d4aea34a3d

Apple Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/starting-with-iep/id1828187191

Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/3a1b111a-750f-4c5e-a3c5-38c55ee4e2d4/starting-with-iep

📲 Let’s Connect!

Turn IEP stress into confidence. I share useful resources every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday across all my social platforms.

Podcast Website: http://www.startingwithiep.com/

Website: https://www.flordeamelia.com

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/starting-with-iep

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/StartingWithIEP

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flordeamelia_ebs/

Pinterest: https://www.pinterest.com/flordeameliahoffman/

For content collaborations, email: flor@flordeamelia.com

#IEPTransition #DORS #LifeAfter21 #SpecialNeedsParenting #IEPSupport #TransitionPlanning #AutismParenting #VocationalRehabilitation #LifeSkills #AdultServices #DisabilityAdvocacy #StartingWithIEPPodcast #FlorDeAmelia

Episode 16: Avoid the Gap Year - A Parent’s Guide to Transition IEPs and Adult Services

Wed, 10 Dec 2025 09:00:00 -0400