Welcome to the Stress-Free IEP® podcast, hosted by Frances Shefter, Principal of Shefter Law. This podcast provides support and insights for parents and educators dealing with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). More details and past episodes are available at Shefter Law.
Meet Dr. Kristin Meyer: Advocate and Consultant
Today’s guest is Dr. Kristin Meyer, an educational advocate and consultant from The Reach Group in Philadelphia. Dr. Meyer has over 30 years of experience in education, including roles as a special education teacher and administrator. Her firm is dedicated to ensuring every child can reach their fullest potential through proper education. Learn more about Dr. Kristin Mayer here!
Challenges and Insights in Special Education
Dr. Meyer shares her journey from being a principal to an advocate, emphasizing the importance of understanding parents’ rights and navigating the special education system. She discusses the common challenges parents face and the necessity of having knowledgeable support.
Empowering Parents: Tips and Strategies
Understanding the Role of Teachers and Administrators
Both Frances and Dr. Meyer highlight that the issues in special education often stem from administrative constraints rather than the teachers themselves. They stress the importance of respecting teachers’ efforts and working collaboratively to advocate for the child’s needs.
The Importance of Communication
Effective communication is key to successful advocacy. Parents should be proactive in reaching out to their child’s IEP team, introducing their child, and outlining key accommodations and needs. This sets a positive tone and ensures that teachers are aware of essential information.
Navigating IEP Meetings
Dr. Meyer advises parents to document everything, write out their concerns, and approach meetings with a clear and calm mindset. This helps in maintaining positive relationships with the school and ensures that parents’ voices are heard.
Writing Detailed IEPs
A well-written IEP should be detailed enough to guide any educator in providing the necessary support for the child. Frances emphasizes the importance of specifying accommodations clearly to avoid any ambiguity and ensure consistent implementation.
Training and Professional Development
Teachers often lack sufficient training in writing and implementing IEPs. Dr. Meyer discusses the need for ongoing professional development and support for special education teachers to ensure they are well-equipped to handle their responsibilities.
Collaboration with Districts
Dr. Meyer and Frances highlight the importance of collaborating with school districts and understanding their procedures. This can help in negotiating better services and support for the child.
Finding and Accepting Help
The Role of Advocates and Attorneys
Parents should not hesitate to seek help from advocates or attorneys when needed. Dr. Meyer emphasizes that a good advocate knows their limits and when to involve legal professionals. This collaborative approach ensures the best outcomes for the child.
Utilizing Free Resources
Parents are encouraged to use free resources available within their district and community. Dr. Meyer advises reaching out to other special education teachers and using available training materials to stay informed.
Getting in Touch with Dr. Kristin Meyer
The Reach Group offers support to families in the Philadelphia region and beyond. They provide free consultations and work on a scholarship basis to ensure no family is turned away due to financial constraints. More information can be found at The Reach Group.
Frances Shefter is an Education Attorney and Advocate who is committed to helping her clients have a Stress-Free IEP® experience. In each podcast, Frances interviews inspiring people to share information, educate you, empower you and help you get the knowledge you need.
Navigating Special Education with Dr. Kristin Meyer: Empowering Parents and Teachers
Stress-Free IEP® with Frances Shefter, Episode 59
Introduction to Stress-Free IEP®
Welcome to the Stress-Free IEP® podcast, hosted by Frances Shefter, Principal of Shefter Law. This podcast provides support and insights for parents and educators dealing with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). More details and past episodes are available at Shefter Law.
Meet Dr. Kristin Meyer: Advocate and Consultant
Today’s guest is Dr. Kristin Meyer, an educational advocate and consultant from The Reach Group in Philadelphia. Dr. Meyer has over 30 years of experience in education, including roles as a special education teacher and administrator. Her firm is dedicated to ensuring every child can reach their fullest potential through proper education. Learn more about Dr. Kristin Mayer here!
Challenges and Insights in Special Education
Dr. Meyer shares her journey from being a principal to an advocate, emphasizing the importance of understanding parents’ rights and navigating the special education system. She discusses the common challenges parents face and the necessity of having knowledgeable support.
Empowering Parents: Tips and Strategies
Understanding the Role of Teachers and Administrators
Both Frances and Dr. Meyer highlight that the issues in special education often stem from administrative constraints rather than the teachers themselves. They stress the importance of respecting teachers’ efforts and working collaboratively to advocate for the child’s needs.
The Importance of Communication
Effective communication is key to successful advocacy. Parents should be proactive in reaching out to their child’s IEP team, introducing their child, and outlining key accommodations and needs. This sets a positive tone and ensures that teachers are aware of essential information.
Navigating IEP Meetings
Dr. Meyer advises parents to document everything, write out their concerns, and approach meetings with a clear and calm mindset. This helps in maintaining positive relationships with the school and ensures that parents’ voices are heard.
Writing Detailed IEPs
A well-written IEP should be detailed enough to guide any educator in providing the necessary support for the child. Frances emphasizes the importance of specifying accommodations clearly to avoid any ambiguity and ensure consistent implementation.
Training and Professional Development
Teachers often lack sufficient training in writing and implementing IEPs. Dr. Meyer discusses the need for ongoing professional development and support for special education teachers to ensure they are well-equipped to handle their responsibilities.
Collaboration with Districts
Dr. Meyer and Frances highlight the importance of collaborating with school districts and understanding their procedures. This can help in negotiating better services and support for the child.
Finding and Accepting Help
The Role of Advocates and Attorneys
Parents should not hesitate to seek help from advocates or attorneys when needed. Dr. Meyer emphasizes that a good advocate knows their limits and when to involve legal professionals. This collaborative approach ensures the best outcomes for the child.
Utilizing Free Resources
Parents are encouraged to use free resources available within their district and community. Dr. Meyer advises reaching out to other special education teachers and using available training materials to stay informed.
Getting in Touch with Dr. Kristin Meyer
The Reach Group offers support to families in the Philadelphia region and beyond. They provide free consultations and work on a scholarship basis to ensure no family is turned away due to financial constraints. More information can be found at The Reach Group.
Learn more about Dr. Kristin Meyer:
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Stress-Free IEP®:
Frances Shefter is an Education Attorney and Advocate who is committed to helping her clients have a Stress-Free IEP® experience. In each podcast, Frances interviews inspiring people to share information, educate you, empower you and help you get the knowledge you need.
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Connect and learn more from your host, Frances Shefter:
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