Show Notes

In this episode of The Special Ed Strategist, host Wendy Taylor—special educator, IEP coach, and educational therapist—breaks down the complex process of transitioning from a 504 plan to an IEP. Wendy explains the key differences between the two plans, when and why you might need to move from a 504 to an IEP, and actionable steps for parents to advocate effectively. She offers practical advice and real-world examples to make this daunting process more accessible to both parents and educators. Don't miss Wendy's tips on how to request evaluations, document progress, and work collaboratively with schools.

Contact Wendy:

Instagram: Learning Essentials

LinkedIn: Wendy Taylor

Facebook: Tutoring LE

Website: Learning Essentials

Cracking the Code to Special Education Eligibility Course: Sign up here

Review Podcast: Apple Podcasts

Listen to Podcast: The Special Ed Strategist

Resources:

Wrightslaw: An extensive resource for special education law and advocacy. Wrightslaw Website

Understood.org: Information on special education plans, including 504s and IEPs. Understood

Parent Training and Information Centers: Find your local PTI for support in navigating the IEP process.

Need more help with your advocacy journey? Enroll in Wendy’s course: Cracking the Code to Special Education Eligibility.

More from Special Education Strategist: Expert Advice for IEPs, 504 Plans, Dyslexia, Parent Advocacy, Learning Disabilities, Executive Function, Dysgraphia, ADHD, Autism, Neurodivergent

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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.

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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.

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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.

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