Short, clear, and parent-first support for the IEP journey. ”ABC of the IEP: Field Notes for Parents” breaks down special education concepts from A to Z -- one bite-sized episode at a time. Hosted by Monica Trost, a Licensed Educational Psychologist and parent, this show helps you understand your rights, prepare for school meetings, and show up for your child with clarity and confidence.
Each episode is short, search-friendly, and paired with a free handout to help you take the next steps, without getting overwhelmed. To get the free handouts, visit preparedparentadvocate.com/podcast.
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Short, clear, and parent-first support for the IEP journey. ”ABC of the IEP: Field Notes for Parents” breaks down special education concepts from A to Z -- one bite-sized episode at a time. Hosted by Monica Trost, a Licensed Educational Psychologist and parent, this show helps you understand your rights, prepare for school meetings, and show up for your child with clarity and confidence.
Each episode is short, search-friendly, and paired with a free handout to help you take the next steps, without getting overwhelmed. To get the free handouts, visit preparedparentadvocate.com/podcast.
You’re juggling speech, OT, counseling—and wondering if you’re supposed to keep it all going at home. This short episode breaks down what’s required (and what’s not), why guilt doesn’t belong in your routine, and how to support your child without burning out. One quick mindset shift + one small carryover strategy = more peace, less pressure.
Follow @preparedparentadvocate on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/preparedparentadvocate/
Need behind-the-scenes advocacy support for your child’s IEP, or interested in learning more about preschool evaluations? Visit preparedparentadvocate.com for a free consult with Monica.
School is only part of the picture. In this episode, we explore how to support your child’s IEP goals at home—without trying to become their teacher or therapist. You’ll learn why consistency across settings matters, simple strategies that actually work, and how to ask the school team for tools you can use at home. Plus, a personal story to remind you: progress doesn’t have to be perfect.
Follow @preparedparentadvocate on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/preparedparentadvocate/
Need behind-the-scenes advocacy support for your child’s IEP, or interested in learning more about preschool evaluations? Visit preparedparentadvocate.com for a free consult with Monica.
“Can I Suggest My Own IEP Goals?”
Yes—and there’s a right way to do it. In this mini episode, learn how to offer input that helps the team write better goals without crossing into legally tricky territory. Includes a free handout with phrases you can use and tips that build collaboration, not conflict.
Follow @preparedparentadvocate on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/preparedparentadvocate/
Need behind-the-scenes advocacy support for your child’s IEP, or interested in learning more about preschool evaluations? Visit preparedparentadvocate.com for a free consult with Monica.
I hope the resources have been helpful to everyone, whether this is the start of your IEP journey or if you’ve been in it for a while. I just wanted to let everyone know that I do offer courses, in-person and online, to help families learn advocacy skills and get support in real time.
IEP goals should guide your child’s growth—but they’re often too vague to be helpful. This episode breaks down what a strong goal looks like, how to ask the right questions, and how to advocate for clearer, more meaningful goals. Includes a free handout with parent prompts. ✨ Don’t forget to grab the free handout with reflection questions and phrases you can use at your next IEP meeting. www.preparedparentadvocate.com/podcast
Follow @preparedparentadvocate on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/preparedparentadvocate/
Need behind-the-scenes advocacy support for your child’s IEP, or interested in learning more about preschool evaluations? Visit preparedparentadvocate.com for a free consult with Monica.
Not necessarily—but it could be a sign something needs to change. This episode walks you through how to review goals, ask the right questions, and take action if your child isn’t making progress. Includes a free handout with next steps and key phrases.
Follow @preparedparentadvocate on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/preparedparentadvocate/
Need behind-the-scenes advocacy support for your child’s IEP, or interested in learning more about preschool evaluations? Visit preparedparentadvocate.com for a free consult with Monica.
If the school said no (or hasn’t responded at all) this episode is for you. Learn what the law says, how to get a written response, and what steps to take next. Includes a free handout with wording you can use to push things forward respectfully and clearly.
Follow @preparedparentadvocate on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/preparedparentadvocate/
Need behind-the-scenes advocacy support for your child’s IEP, or interested in learning more about preschool evaluations? Visit preparedparentadvocate.com for a free consult with Monica.
Short answer: yes… and no. In this mini episode, we explain why schools must do their own evaluations (even if you already have a private diagnosis) and how to use your report as a helpful tool, not a point of conflict. Includes a free handout with tips and talking points.
Follow @preparedparentadvocate on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/preparedparentadvocate/
Need behind-the-scenes advocacy support for your child’s IEP, or interested in learning more about preschool evaluations? Visit preparedparentadvocate.com for a free consult with Monica.
FAPE is a legal right—but what does “appropriate” really mean? In this episode, I explain what schools are required to do, what they aren’t, and how to advocate clearly and confidently. Includes a personal story, a case law reference, and a free handout to guide your next IEP conversation.
Follow @preparedparentadvocate on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/preparedparentadvocate/
Need behind-the-scenes advocacy support for your child’s IEP, or interested in learning more about preschool evaluations? Visit preparedparentadvocate.com for a free consult with Monica.
What are accommodations really for? Here’s how to spot the difference between support and busywork—and advocate for what actually helps.
✨ Don’t forget to grab the free handout for a summary and reflection prompts at www.preparedparentadvocate.com/podcast
Follow @preparedparentadvocate on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/preparedparentadvocate/
Need behind-the-scenes advocacy support for your child’s IEP, or interested in learning more about preschool evaluations? Visit preparedparentadvocate.com for a free consult with Monica.
Getting your child evaluated for special education can feel overwhelming, but this episode breaks it down step-by-step. Learn how to request an evaluation, what’s included, and how your input fits into the process. Includes a free handout with takeaways and next steps.
Follow @preparedparentadvocate on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/preparedparentadvocate/
Need behind-the-scenes advocacy support for your child’s IEP, or interested in learning more about preschool evaluations? Visit preparedparentadvocate.com for a free consult with Monica.
A diagnosis like ADHD or autism doesn’t automatically mean your child qualifies for an IEP. In this episode, we break down the difference between medical diagnoses and school-based eligibility, walk through the 13 IDEA categories, and explain why educational impact matters most. If you’ve ever heard “your child doesn’t qualify” and felt confused, this episode will help.
✨ Grab the free handout to reflect on key takeaways and next steps. https://www.preparedparentadvocate.com/podcast
Follow @preparedparentadvocate on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/preparedparentadvocate/
Need behind-the-scenes advocacy support for your child’s IEP, or interested in learning more about preschool evaluations? Visit preparedparentadvocate.com for a free consult with Monica.
If you’re feeling out of sync with your child’s school team, this mini episode is for you. We’ll walk through why communication breakdowns happen and how to gently reset the tone. Includes tips for asking the right questions and staying connected—plus a free handout with quick prompts.
✨ Don’t forget to grab the free handout for a summary and reflection prompts at www.preparedparentadvocate.com/podcast
Follow @preparedparentadvocate on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/preparedparentadvocate/
Need behind-the-scenes advocacy support for your child’s IEP, or interested in learning more about preschool evaluations? Visit preparedparentadvocate.com for a free consult with Monica.
IEP communication isn’t just about meetings—it’s about trust. Here’s how to keep the conversation going and the team aligned.
✨ Don’t forget to grab the free handout for a summary and reflection prompts at www.preparedparentadvocate.com/podcast
Follow @preparedparentadvocate on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/preparedparentadvocate/
Need behind-the-scenes advocacy support for your child’s IEP, or interested in learning more about preschool evaluations? Visit preparedparentadvocate.com for a free consult with Monica.
A 4-minute guide for what to do when the school says accommodations aren’t needed—but you disagree.
✨ Don’t forget to grab the free handout for a summary and reflection prompts at www.preparedparentadvocate.com/podcast
Follow @preparedparentadvocate on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/preparedparentadvocate/
Need behind-the-scenes advocacy support for your child’s IEP, or interested in learning more about preschool evaluations? Visit preparedparentadvocate.com for a free consult with Monica.
Behavior in the IEP process can feel loaded. Here’s what it really means, when a BIP makes sense, and what parents should know—plus a free handout to guide your next steps.
✨ Don’t forget to grab the free handout for a summary and reflection prompts at www.preparedparentadvocate.com/podcast
Follow @preparedparentadvocate on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/preparedparentadvocate/
Need behind-the-scenes advocacy support for your child’s IEP, or interested in learning more about preschool evaluations? Visit preparedparentadvocate.com for a free consult with Monica.
Feeling like your child is being labeled as “the behavior kid”? Here’s how to reframe the conversation—and advocate with confidence.
✨ Don’t forget to grab the free handout for a summary and reflection prompts at www.preparedparentadvocate.com/podcast
Follow @preparedparentadvocate on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/preparedparentadvocate/
Need behind-the-scenes advocacy support for your child’s IEP, or interested in learning more about preschool evaluations? Visit preparedparentadvocate.com for a free consult with Monica.
What are accommodations really for? Here’s how to spot the difference between support and busywork—and advocate for what actually helps.
✨ Don’t forget to grab the free handout for a summary and reflection prompts at www.preparedparentadvocate.com/podcast
Follow @preparedparentadvocate on instagram: https://www.instagram.com/preparedparentadvocate/
Need behind-the-scenes advocacy support for your child’s IEP, or interested in learning more about preschool evaluations? Visit preparedparentadvocate.com for a free consult with Monica.
Short, clear, and parent-first support for the IEP journey. ”ABC of the IEP: Field Notes for Parents” breaks down special education concepts from A to Z -- one bite-sized episode at a time. Hosted by Monica Trost, a Licensed Educational Psychologist and parent, this show helps you understand your rights, prepare for school meetings, and show up for your child with clarity and confidence.
Each episode is short, search-friendly, and paired with a free handout to help you take the next steps, without getting overwhelmed. To get the free handouts, visit preparedparentadvocate.com/podcast.