In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, Frances Shefter speaks with Jane Singleton, the founder and executive coach at Launchpad for Life, LLC and specializes in helping clients understand their cognitive and emotional strengths and weaknesses, communicate more effectively, and build their self-awareness. She is an International Coaching Federation (ICF) certified executive coach, with a Masters in Special Education from William & Mary and a passionate advocate for inclusion.
With over 12 years’ experience in educational leadership and specializing in cognitive profiles and behavioral interventions, Jane Singleton pioneers inclusive education strategies.
In the latest episode of Stress-Free IEP®, host Frances Shefter sits down with Jane Singleton, the founder of Launchpad for Life. Singleton, an experienced educational leader and specialist, shares her expertise on supporting neurodiverse students and their families. With over 12 years of experience, Singleton provides valuable insights into understanding cognitive profiles, creating behavioral interventions, and navigating the complexities of special education.
Jane Singleton’s Background and Expertise Jane Singleton is a certified executive coach with a master’s degree in special education from William and Mary. She has developed academic support programs in the U.S. and abroad, focusing on neurodiversity, executive functioning, self-esteem, motivation, and effective parenting strategies. Her organization, Launchpad for Life LLC, helps clients understand their cognitive and emotional strengths, improve communication, and build self-awareness.
Early Influences and Advocacy
Singleton’s passion for advocacy began early. Her experience as a camp counselor for people with disabilities during high school revealed the importance of listening to individuals with disabilities and advocating for their needs. This experience led her to pursue psychology and special education, focusing on understanding and supporting those with diverse cognitive and emotional profiles.
Emphasizing Listening and Neurodiversity
Listening to individuals with disabilities is a cornerstone of Singleton’s approach. She advocates for setting realistic yet ambitious goals and ensuring that educational plans are tailored to the unique needs of each student. By fostering an environment of possibility and avoiding limiting beliefs, Singleton helps students achieve their full potential.
Addressing Family Dynamics
Singleton highlights the importance of considering family dynamics in educational planning. By working separately with young adults and their parents, she facilitates effective communication and addresses frustrations. This holistic approach ensures that all voices are heard and that family dynamics support the student’s educational and behavioral goals.
Student Involvement in IEP Meetings
Involving students in their Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings is crucial. Singleton and Shefter agree that students should participate in discussions about accommodations and supplementary aids. This involvement ensures that the students’ perspectives are included, leading to more effective and personalized educational plans.
Challenges in Implementing IEPs
Implementing IEPs can be challenging due to rigid mindsets and inflexible thinking. Singleton emphasizes the need for realistic, measurable goals that align with the student’s current capabilities. By setting achievable objectives, educators and parents can avoid feelings of failure and foster a supportive environment for progress.
Effective Communication and Goal Setting
Clear and effective communication is essential in IEP meetings. Singleton stresses the importance of using accessible language that all parties understand. This practice ensures that everyone involved in the educational plan has a clear understanding of the goals and how they will be implemented.
Empowering Students Through Self-Monitoring
Singleton advocates for empowering students to monitor their progress and understand their strengths and weaknesses. Self-monitoring skills help students build executive functioning abilities and promote a growth mindset. This approach encourages students to take an active role in their education and development.
Balancing School Support and Private Tutoring
The episode also explores the balance between school support and private tutoring. While schools are obligated to provide support, private tutoring can offer more specialized interventions for certain needs. Singleton advises families to have honest conversations about what works best for their child, considering both school resources and private options.
Understanding Neurodiversity and Adaptive Functioning
Singleton emphasizes the importance of understanding neurodiversity and adaptive functioning. She encourages neurotypical individuals to adapt to different ways of thinking, fostering inclusive environments in educational settings and beyond. Self-awareness and adaptive functioning are key to achieving success and creating a supportive community for all learners.
Encouraging Vulnerability and Overcoming Anxiety
Addressing vulnerability and anxiety is crucial in supporting neurodiverse students. Singleton advocates for creating safe spaces where children can express their struggles and fears. By acknowledging and addressing these feelings, parents and educators can help students build resilience and confidence.
Conclusion
Jane Singleton’s insights offer valuable guidance for families navigating special education. Her emphasis on listening, effective communication, realistic goal setting, and empowering students underscores the importance of a holistic approach to education. By fostering understanding and collaboration among students, parents, and educators, Singleton helps create environments where every child can thrive and reach their full potential.
***********************************
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.
Navigating Special Education: Insights and Strategies from Jane Singleton
Stress-Free IEP® with Frances Shefter, Episode 62
In this episode of Stress-Free IEP®, Frances Shefter speaks with Jane Singleton, the founder and executive coach at Launchpad for Life, LLC and specializes in helping clients understand their cognitive and emotional strengths and weaknesses, communicate more effectively, and build their self-awareness. She is an International Coaching Federation (ICF) certified executive coach, with a Masters in Special Education from William & Mary and a passionate advocate for inclusion.
With over 12 years’ experience in educational leadership and specializing in cognitive profiles and behavioral interventions, Jane Singleton pioneers inclusive education strategies.
Upcoming events:
Learn more about Jane Singleton:
Episode Summary:
In the latest episode of Stress-Free IEP®, host Frances Shefter sits down with Jane Singleton, the founder of Launchpad for Life. Singleton, an experienced educational leader and specialist, shares her expertise on supporting neurodiverse students and their families. With over 12 years of experience, Singleton provides valuable insights into understanding cognitive profiles, creating behavioral interventions, and navigating the complexities of special education.
Jane Singleton’s Background and Expertise
Jane Singleton is a certified executive coach with a master’s degree in special education from William and Mary. She has developed academic support programs in the U.S. and abroad, focusing on neurodiversity, executive functioning, self-esteem, motivation, and effective parenting strategies. Her organization, Launchpad for Life LLC, helps clients understand their cognitive and emotional strengths, improve communication, and build self-awareness.
Early Influences and Advocacy
Singleton’s passion for advocacy began early. Her experience as a camp counselor for people with disabilities during high school revealed the importance of listening to individuals with disabilities and advocating for their needs. This experience led her to pursue psychology and special education, focusing on understanding and supporting those with diverse cognitive and emotional profiles.
Emphasizing Listening and Neurodiversity
Listening to individuals with disabilities is a cornerstone of Singleton’s approach. She advocates for setting realistic yet ambitious goals and ensuring that educational plans are tailored to the unique needs of each student. By fostering an environment of possibility and avoiding limiting beliefs, Singleton helps students achieve their full potential.
Addressing Family Dynamics
Singleton highlights the importance of considering family dynamics in educational planning. By working separately with young adults and their parents, she facilitates effective communication and addresses frustrations. This holistic approach ensures that all voices are heard and that family dynamics support the student’s educational and behavioral goals.
Student Involvement in IEP Meetings
Involving students in their Individualized Education Program (IEP) meetings is crucial. Singleton and Shefter agree that students should participate in discussions about accommodations and supplementary aids. This involvement ensures that the students’ perspectives are included, leading to more effective and personalized educational plans.
Challenges in Implementing IEPs
Implementing IEPs can be challenging due to rigid mindsets and inflexible thinking. Singleton emphasizes the need for realistic, measurable goals that align with the student’s current capabilities. By setting achievable objectives, educators and parents can avoid feelings of failure and foster a supportive environment for progress.
Effective Communication and Goal Setting
Clear and effective communication is essential in IEP meetings. Singleton stresses the importance of using accessible language that all parties understand. This practice ensures that everyone involved in the educational plan has a clear understanding of the goals and how they will be implemented.
Empowering Students Through Self-Monitoring
Singleton advocates for empowering students to monitor their progress and understand their strengths and weaknesses. Self-monitoring skills help students build executive functioning abilities and promote a growth mindset. This approach encourages students to take an active role in their education and development.
Balancing School Support and Private Tutoring
The episode also explores the balance between school support and private tutoring. While schools are obligated to provide support, private tutoring can offer more specialized interventions for certain needs. Singleton advises families to have honest conversations about what works best for their child, considering both school resources and private options.
Understanding Neurodiversity and Adaptive Functioning
Singleton emphasizes the importance of understanding neurodiversity and adaptive functioning. She encourages neurotypical individuals to adapt to different ways of thinking, fostering inclusive environments in educational settings and beyond. Self-awareness and adaptive functioning are key to achieving success and creating a supportive community for all learners.
Encouraging Vulnerability and Overcoming Anxiety
Addressing vulnerability and anxiety is crucial in supporting neurodiverse students. Singleton advocates for creating safe spaces where children can express their struggles and fears. By acknowledging and addressing these feelings, parents and educators can help students build resilience and confidence.
Conclusion
Jane Singleton’s insights offer valuable guidance for families navigating special education. Her emphasis on listening, effective communication, realistic goal setting, and empowering students underscores the importance of a holistic approach to education. By fostering understanding and collaboration among students, parents, and educators, Singleton helps create environments where every child can thrive and reach their full potential.
***********************************
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.
Watch more episodes of Stress-Free IEP®:
Connect and learn more from your host, Frances Shefter:
Categories