Episodes

  • S3 Ep326: Navigating The World Of Mental Health Services With Alex Williams, MSW

    S3 Ep326: Navigating The World Of Mental Health Services With Alex Williams, MSW
    May 7 2024
    Alex Williams of The Anxiety Institute walks us through ALL of the essentials when it comes to navigating the complex world of mental health services. You won’t want to miss this conversation and all the wonderful and informative ways that Alex shares her expertise and knowledge with us! Discover more about mental health services in this episode.

    Main Discussion Points:

    1. Treatment Levels:
      • It is important to know what treatment levels are when it comes to mental health services
      • Some treatment levels are more restrictive than others and some require hospitalization
    2. Resources:
      • Use the school system to help you test or seek private testing and diagnosis
      • Work with the school system to develop a plan that makes sense for you student
    3. Outpatient vs. Inpatient:
      • There are various options for outpatient mental health therapy that range in implications
      • Outpatient is the least restrictive with IOP and PHP altering your student’s day or school placement
    4. Support Should Fit The Student
      • Support teams should coordinate efforts to create plans and strategies unique to your student
      • What approach works for one student might not have the same results for your student
      • Start by seeking a list of outpatient providers in your area and in your network

    Where to find Alex:

    Website: https://anxietyinstitute.com/

    LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alex-williams-msw-82b70197/


    Where to find 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
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    54 mins
  • S3 Ep325: Free and Appropriate Education Under IDEA with Ashley Barlow, Special Education Lawyer

    S3 Ep325: Free and Appropriate Education Under IDEA with Ashley Barlow, Special Education Lawyer
    Apr 30 2024
    Ashley Barlow, a special education attorney based in Kentucky, joins Wendy Taylor on the podcast. Ashley brings a unique perspective to the discussion, drawing from her experience as a teacher, attorney, parent of a child with Down syndrome, and someone with a physical disability.

    Main Discussion Points:
    1. Free and Appropriate Education Under IDEA:
      • Explanation of parents' rights and protections under IDEA, including the right to request an IEE at public expense.
      • Importance of the IEE in ensuring that students with disabilities receive necessary support and services for effective education.
      • District's obligation to pay for the IEE unless the request is proven unreasonable.
    2. IEE Process:
      • Overview of the IEE process, allowing parents to obtain an independent evaluation if they disagree with the school district's assessment.
      • Role of the IEE in providing parents with additional information and perspectives for making educational decisions for their child.
    3. Effective Reading Interventions for Dyslexia:
      • Characteristics of effective reading interventions for students with dyslexia: systemic, explicit, multisensory, and research-based.
      • Discussion on the Orton-Gillingham approach, a structured and cumulative program designed to develop phonemic awareness, phonics skills, decoding strategies, and reading fluency in students with dyslexia.
    4. Individualizing Inclusive Education:
      • Federal mandate for children with disabilities to be educated to the greatest extent possible with non-disabled peers.
      • Importance of tailoring inclusive education to meet the specific needs of each student.
    5. Misconceptions About Inclusion:
      • Addressing misconceptions, such as the idea that inclusion means always keeping a student in a general education setting without considering individual requirements.
      • Importance of assessing each student's needs and providing appropriate levels of support and intervention.
    6. Implementing Inclusive Education:
      • Emphasis on accommodations, modifications, and specially designed instruction to ensure that students with disabilities can access the curriculum and make progress in their learning.
    Where to find Ashley:

    Website: https://ashleybarlowco.com/#/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ashleybarlowco/

    Where to find 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
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    59 mins
  • S3 Ep324: Navigating Special Education: The Power of Systems and Collaboration

    S3 Ep324: Navigating Special Education: The Power of Systems and Collaboration
    Apr 23 2024
    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:
    1. 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.
    2. 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.
    3. 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.
    4. 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
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    59 mins
  • IEP Strategy: The Four P's To IEP's

    IEP Strategy: The Four P's To IEP's
    Apr 16 2024
    Follow along with Wendy today as she covers the four P's to IEP's!

    Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/learningessentials/

    LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-taylor-7106b6a6/

    Website: www.LearningEssentialsEDU.com

    Review Podcast -     https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-special-ed-strategist-podcast-with-wendy-taylor-m-ed-et-p/id1639953041
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    15 mins
  • S3 Ep323: Navigating The Neurodivergent Journey With Dr. Matt Zakreski

    S3 Ep323: Navigating The Neurodivergent Journey With Dr. Matt Zakreski
    Apr 9 2024
    In this episode, Dr. Matt Zakreski joins Wendy Taylor to discuss effective ways parents can support their gifted or twice-exceptional children. Dr. Matt emphasizes the importance of proactive skill-building and future planning, encouraging parents to take action from where they are now. He also explores the concept of asynchrony in gifted children's development and how understanding this can help parents provide targeted support.

    Key Points:
    • Proactive Skill-Building: Start taking action now to support your child's development.
    • Asynchrony in Development: Gifted children may develop unevenly across different areas, requiring tailored support.
    • Setting Realistic Goals: Collaborate with educators and set achievable goals for your child's development.
    • Collaboration with Educators: Approach school meetings with a cooperative mindset, acknowledging the school team's efforts.
    • Acknowledging Asynchrony: Recognize and address the asynchrony in your child's development to provide effective support.
    Example of Effective Support:
    • Dr. Matt shares a successful example of a middle school student attending high school for specialized arts classes, demonstrating how accommodating asynchrony in development can lead to positive outcomes for gifted students.
    Collaboration with the School System:
    • Approach collaboration with empathy and a focus on finding practical solutions for the child's needs.
    • Start meetings with a positive and collaborative tone, emphasizing unity and shared responsibility for the child's well-being.
    • Maintain ongoing communication and be prepared to address difficult topics multiple times to find effective solutions.

    Conclusion:
    Supporting gifted or twice-exceptional children requires a proactive and collaborative approach. By understanding their unique developmental profile, setting realistic goals, and collaborating with educators, parents can create a nurturing environment that supports their child's strengths and addresses their areas of need effectively. Understanding and addressing the asynchrony in their development is crucial for providing comprehensive support.

    Find Dr. Matt:

    https://www.theneurodiversitycollective.com/

    Follow Wendy Taylor, M.Ed., ET/P and The Special Ed Strategist Podcast for more insights on supporting children with unique learning needs.

    Instagram - @LearningEssentials

    LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-taylor-7106b6a6/

    Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/TutoringLE

    Website: www.LearningEssentialsEDU.com

    Review Podcast



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    56 mins
  • S3 Ep322: The Power Of Differentiation: Supporting Students With IEPs

    S3 Ep322: The Power Of Differentiation: Supporting Students With IEPs
    Mar 26 2024
    In this episode of "The Special Ed Strategist," host Wendy Taylor explores the vital collaboration between special education and general education teachers in supporting students with unique learning needs. Joined by guest Rebekah Poe, an expert with experience in both realms, they delve into the significance of teamwork, parental empowerment in the IEP process, and the transformative role of technology in education.

    Main Discussion Points:

    1. Teacher Collaboration: Rebekah emphasizes the essential nature of collaboration between special education and general education teachers. She highlights the lack of training for general education teachers in supporting students with IEPs and stresses the importance of providing them with guidance and understanding of best practices.
    2. Success Story: Rebekah shares a success story where effective collaboration between teachers resulted in a positive outcome for a student. By working together and sharing data, they successfully transitioned a student from a self-contained classroom to a fully inclusive setting, benefiting both academically and socially.
    3. Technology Integration: The episode discusses the use of technology to support differentiation, accommodations, and modifications for students. Rebekah highlights how technology, such as accessibility features on Chromebooks, can offer students independence and autonomy in their learning.
    4. Parental Empowerment: Rebekah stresses the vital role parents play in the IEP process for their child. She emphasizes the importance of parents feeling empowered to ask questions and actively participate in IEP meetings, ensuring decisions align with their child's needs and goals.

    Conclusion:
    In conclusion, the episode underscores the critical role of collaboration, parental empowerment, and technology in enhancing education for students with unique learning needs. Through teamwork, informed parental involvement, and the effective use of technology, educators can ensure that every student receives the support and accommodations they need to succeed academically and socially.

    Connect with Rebekah:
    lessonsandlattes2018@gmail.com

    Links:
    www.instagram.com/rebekahpoeteaching
    www.facebook.com/rebekahpoeteaching
    www.RebekahPoeTeaching.com

    Connect with 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

    Review Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-special-ed-strategist-podcast-with-wendy-taylor-m-ed-et-p/id1639953041
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    58 mins
  • S3 Ep321: IEP Strategy: Emotional Regulation and Executive Function in Education

    S3 Ep321: IEP Strategy: Emotional Regulation and Executive Function in Education
    Mar 19 2024
    Introduction:
    • Emotional regulation and executive function skills are crucial for overall well-being and success in life.
    • These skills impact various aspects of life, including academic, social, and personal domains.
    Emotional Regulation:
    • Involves managing stress, controlling impulses, and adapting to changing emotional situations.
    • Challenges in emotional regulation can lead to intense emotional reactions and difficulty in adapting to emotional changes.
    Executive Function Skills:
    • Controlled by the prefrontal cortex of the brain.
    • Include attention, working memory, and cognitive flexibility, vital for tasks like focusing, problem-solving, and decision-making.
    Impact on Academic Success:
    • Developing emotional regulation and executive function skills is crucial for academic success.
    • These skills help in managing tasks, organizing thoughts, and regulating behavior, enhancing overall academic performance.
    Supporting Skills Development:
    • Parents and educators play a vital role in helping individuals develop and strengthen these skills.
    • Teaching coping strategies, providing structured environments, and setting clear expectations are essential for skill development.
    Incorporating Skills into IEPs:
    • Incorporating emotional regulation and executive function skills into individualized education plans (IEPs) can further support students in achieving their academic and personal goals.
    Conclusion:
    • Emotional regulation and executive function skills are fundamental for overall well-being and success in life.
    • By understanding and developing these skills, individuals can enhance their ability to navigate challenges and achieve their full potential.
    Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/learningessentials/

    LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/wendy-taylor-7106b6a6/

    Website: www.LearningEssentialsEDU.com

    Review Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-special-ed-strategist-podcast-with-wendy-taylor-m-ed-et-p/id1639953041
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    27 mins
  • S3 Ep320: Navigating Speech And Language Services In The School Setting

    S3 Ep320: Navigating Speech And Language Services In The School Setting
    Mar 12 2024
    In this episode, we're diving into the vital role of speech-language pathologists (SLPs) in schools. Join us as we chat with Hallie Sherman, a seasoned SLP with 16 years of experience in public schools, about the impact SLPs have on students' academic success.

    Discussion Highlights:

    • Hallie's background and journey to becoming an SLP.
    • The varied settings where SLPs can work and why Hallie chose to work in schools.
    • How SLP services are determined based on their impact on a student's academics.
    • The evaluation process SLPs use to assess students' speech and language skills, including formal and informal assessments.
    • The importance of collaboration between SLPs, parents, and other professionals in supporting students.
    • The role of SLPs in the Individualized Education Program (IEP) process and in developing students' goals and services.
    • Service delivery models used by SLPs, including pull-out and push-in services, are based on students' needs.
    • The significance of transition planning and how SLPs support students as they transition to post-secondary education or employment.
    Conclusion:
    In conclusion, SLPs are crucial in supporting students' speech and language needs in schools. Through collaboration and individualized interventions, SLPs like Hallie Sherman help students succeed academically and thrive in the school setting.


    Connect with Hallie:

    Links:
    speechtimefun.com
    shopspeechtimefun.com
    speechretreat.com
    slpelevate.com
    instagram.com/speechtimefun

    Connect with 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

    Review Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-special-ed-strategist-podcast-with-wendy-taylor-m-ed-et-p/id1639953041
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    43 mins