In this episode of Family Matters with Instructor Mike, we go beneath the surface of IEPs and IFSPs—not to explain how to get one, but to question why and when we’re reaching for them in the first place. Too often, early childhood educators are trained to observe and refer, but not to discern whether a child’s behavior is developmentally appropriate.

Instructor Mike breaks down what the popular articles get right—and what they dangerously leave out. Backed by insights from Allen Frances (DSM-IV), NAEYC, and other experts, this episode calls out the systemic problem of pathologizing normal development and bypassing family education. We also confront the uncomfortable truth: some families lack the developmental literacy needed to advocate effectively for their children—and the system doesn’t always equip them.

Whether you’re an educator, a parent, or a policymaker, this episode is a wake-up call to stop outsourcing understanding to labels and start restoring developmental discernment to the center of early childhood inclusion.

🎧 Because sometimes inclusion doesn’t start with a plan—it starts with the courage to question the plan.