Navigating Special Education And​ Advocating for Your Child

Navigating special education can feel overwhelming—but you don’t have to do it alone. In this episode, we’re joined by Paula J. Yost, a licensed clinical mental health therapist, special education advocate, lawyer, educator, and author who breaks down IEPs, 504 plans, evaluations, and how to effectively advocate for your child.


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In this episode, we discuss:

  • What led you to focus on helping families navigate the special education system?
  • For parents and caregivers who may be feeling overwhelmed, confused, or even intimidated by this process, what would you want them to know right at the beginning?
  • Is there a preferred or more respectful language we should be using—special education, exceptional children education, or something else?
  • What are the key laws that govern special education in the United States?
    • FAPE
    • IDEA
  • What are some of the most common acronyms parents & caregivers will encounter, and what do they mean?
    • IEPs
    • 504 plans
    • LRE
    • SDI
    • OHI
  • What are some early signs that a child might need additional support or an educational assessment?
  • How does trauma impact a child’s ability to learn and show up in the classroom?
  • What are the first steps a parent or caregiver should take if they believe their child needs to be evaluated?
  • What is involved in an educational assessment, and what should families expect from that process?
  • Once a child is evaluated, how do families understand the results and translate them into meaningful support?
  • Can you explain the difference between an IEP and a 504 plan in terms of the support and accommodations they include?
  • What kinds of accommodations or supports should parents and caregivers be aware of that they can request in an IEP or 504 plan?
  • What are some common mistakes or misconceptions parents have when entering this process?
  • What rights do foster or kinship parents have when it comes to requesting evaluations and services?
  • Are foster or kinship parents allowed to attend IEP or 504 meetings, and what role can they play in those discussions?
  • How can foster or kinship parents support a child with learning differences or disabilities at home, to reinforce what is being done at school?
  • What should parents do if they feel the school isn’t providing adequate support or following through on a plan?
  • For families just beginning this journey, what are a few practical first steps they can take this week to start advocating for their child?
  • What message of encouragement or reassurance would you like to leave with parents and caregivers who are walking this path?

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Music Credit: Michael Ashworth; Podcast Producer: megownsoundworks.com; Photo by    www.kaboompics.com from Pexels: https://www.pexels.com/photo/notepads-color-pencils-and-paintbrush-5208351/