Critical Special Education Decision Making for Middle School

Alright, friends - let's talk about transitioning from elementary to middle school, because if you're a parent going through this, you know it can feel like a total doozy, am I right?

On this week's episode of the Special Education Inner Circle podcast, I'm pulling back the curtain to share with you how I'm coaching one parent through the milestone of moving her child from elementary to middle school. There are so many big decisions to make, it can honestly feel downright scary. But here's the thing - with the right support and information in your corner, you can absolutely make the best choices for your child.

From ensuring she can observe the proposed placements, to getting crucial supports documented, to customizing that Extended School Year plan - after you listen to this episode, you're gonna walk away with practical tips to navigate this big change with confidence. 

SUMMARY

The mom I'm mentioning in this episode is part of the Master IEP Coach® Mentorship program, and she's using all the tools and strategies she's learning to advocate for her own child at the IEP table. (See how you can join the Master IEP Coach® Mentorship here.) 

One of the first big decisions this mom is working through is understanding the actual programming and schedule her child will have in middle school. Her older child had a completely different experience in middle school, so she's trying to get a clear picture of what this new school environment will look like for her younger child who will be in a life skills-focused program.

Question for you - have you ever heard that parents can't see the classrooms due to privacy concerns? That's simply not true. How else can a parent make an informed decision?

The next big decision this mom is working through is all the casual conversations she's been having with the school about the supports and services they'll provide for the transition. Things like locker assistance, help with transitions, etc. Now, these all sound great, but we need to get them documented! I'm providing her with some of my go-to letter templates to help her put these promises in writing. That way, there's accountability and a paper trail if anything falls through the cracks.

And finally, we're digging into the details of the extended school year (ESY) program that will be offered over the summer. At first glance, it seemed a bit cookie-cutter, but we're working to ensure it's truly individualized and customized to meet her child's unique needs. ESY should never be a one-size-fits-all program.

I know this is a lot to navigate, but I'm so proud of this mom for taking such an active role. She's getting the information she needs, asking the right questions, and making sure every decision is documented. And I'm thrilled to be there to support her through it all.

Are you a parent who needs help through the IEP process or do you want to be the person who helps parents through the IEP process (and get paid for your IEP expertise)... both options are ready for you inside the Master IEP Coach® Mentorship.

Learn more about the Master IEP Coach® Mentorship.