
99: Navigating Special Education: The Power of Systems and Collaboration
Special Education Strategist: Expert Advice for IEPs, 504 Plans, Dyslexia, Parent Advocacy, Learning Disabilities, Executive Function, Dysgraphia, ADHD, Autism, NeurodivergentShow Notes
In this episode of The Special Ed Strategist, we delve into the invaluable role of organizational systems and collaborative partnerships in navigating the complexities of the special education system. Author and advocate Kelley Coleman joins us to share her insights and strategies for parents seeking to streamline their journey and advocate effectively for their child's needs.
Key Takeaways:
Setting Up Organizational Systems: Kelley emphasizes the importance of creating systems and structures to manage the special education journey. Reminders on calendars for tasks like scheduling appointments and sending emails can help parents stay on top of crucial deadlines.
Creating a Child Profile: Developing a one-page document detailing the child's strengths, preferences, and goals can facilitate better communication with teachers and service providers. This snapshot ensures everyone is aligned regarding the child's needs and progress.
Crafting a Vision Statement: A vision statement outlines the child's long-term goals and aspirations, guiding the development of Individualized Education Program (IEP) goals. It aligns the child's educational plan with their future vision and facilitates discussions with educators.
Building Communication and Collaboration: Regular communication with the school team, even outside of formal meetings, is essential. Establishing preferred methods of communication and creating a one-page profile for the child can enhance understanding and support.
Conclusion: By implementing these strategies, parents can navigate the special education system more effectively, reduce overwhelm, and advocate successfully for their child's needs. Building strong partnerships with the school team can lead to a more supportive and inclusive educational environment, prioritizing the child's growth and success.
Join us in our next episode as we continue to explore valuable insights and strategies for navigating the world of special education.
Kelley Coleman:
Book: Everything No One Tells You About Parenting a Disabled Child
Website: https://www.kelleycoleman.com/
Wendy:
Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/learningessentials/
LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-taylor-7106b6a6/
Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TutoringLE
Website: www.LearningEssentialsEDU.com
More from Special Education Strategist: Expert Advice for IEPs, 504 Plans, Dyslexia, Parent Advocacy, Learning Disabilities, Executive Function, Dysgraphia, ADHD, Autism, Neurodivergent
From Home to School: Bridging Health, Neurodivergence, and Advocacy with Dr. Karin Varblow
Feeling overwhelmed by neuropsychological evaluations, audiology reports, or conflicting advice from doctors and schools?
In this episode of The Special Ed Strategist, host Wendy Taylor is joined by Dr. Rebecca Fritsch, Psy.D., licensed clinical and school psychologist, to explore how parents can document their child’s strengths and challenges at home—and translate those insights into measurable IEP goals. Parents will learn how to connect observations to “educational impact,” collaborate with school teams, and empower their child’s voice in the IEP process.
Feeling overwhelmed by constant IEP meetings, doctor visits, and behavior struggles? Join Wendy Taylor as she interviews developmental-behavioral pediatrician Dr. Amir Miodovnik—an expert who trained at Boston Children’s and Kennedy Krieger—on how medical factors like sleep, anxiety, and ADHD shape learning and behavior. Discover how to transform your observations into action: translate clinical insights into school strategies, prioritize child-centered supports, and plan ahead as your child grows. Warm, clear, and deeply empowering—this episode gives you a strategy you can use immediately.
In this episode of The Special Ed Strategist, host Wendy Taylor sits down with pediatric neuropsychologists Dr. Yael Rothman and Dr. Katia Fredriksen—co-authors of the Different Thinkers children’s book series—to explore how families can help children understand diagnoses with compassion and clarity. With a strengths-based, neurodiversity-affirming lens, they offer practical ways to shift conversations from “what’s wrong” to “what’s unique,” empowering both home life and school advocacy.