Understanding IEPs: Parent Advocates Kathy Lutz and Jordan Dahlstrand

Timothy McIvor, Founder and Managing Member of SchoolPsych.com

Summary Tim McIvor is a school psychologist who has been serving students for the last ten years. He spent the first five years of his career in Las Vegas, NV, and currently practices in Florida. He is the Founder and Managing Member of SchoolPsych.com. He bought the domain in 2014 and began offering free school psychology resources. In 2017, it became a business. In this conversation, Jen and Tim delve into the world of school psychology, discussing the vital role school psychologists play in supporting students, the challenges they face, and the importance of collaboration with teachers and parents. They explore common behavioral and emotional issues children encounter, the significance of early intervention, and the necessity of creating structured environments at home. The discussion also highlights the importance of mindfulness and coping strategies for students, as well as clarifying the differences between educational and medical diagnoses. Takeaways School psychologists and counselors have distinct roles in education. Interventions require time and consistency to be effective. Collaboration among school staff is crucial for student success. Mindfulness techniques can help students manage stress and anxiety. Early intervention is key to addressing learning difficulties. Behavioral interventions should focus on positive reinforcement. Parents should maintain open communication with teachers. Understanding percentiles can help parents gauge their child's performance. Creating a structured home environment supports emotional health. School psychologists are here to help and support families. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to School Psychology and Spontaneity 02:22 Understanding the Role of School Psychologists 05:48 Challenges in Early Intervention and Support 08:02 Common Challenges Children Face in School 10:36 Recognizing Learning Difficulties and Behavioral Issues 13:25 Collaboration Between School Psychologists, Teachers, and Parents 16:58 Behavior Interventions and Their Effectiveness 20:54 Advice for Parents on Supporting Children 24:49 The Importance of Patience in Interventions 28:18 Creating a Structured Environment at Home 31:20 Understanding Special Education Services 35:11 Navigating Medical Diagnoses and Educational Support 37:22 Coping Mechanisms for Stress and Anxiety 43:18 Final Thoughts and Encouragement for Parents and Psychologists 45:01 Engagement and Community Building

Parenting as Educators with Christopher and Ashley Ponce

Summary This week, Jen hosts Chris and Ashley Ponce, both experienced educators (School Psychologist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst, respectively). They discuss their unique backgrounds, the challenges of parenting as educators, and the importance of behavioral analysis in schools. They explore the impact of COVID-19 on child development, the need for more BCBAs in educational settings, and the significance of social skills and emotional support for children. The discussion highlights the real-world experiences that shape their approaches to education and parenting, as well as the collaborative efforts needed to support students effectively. Keywords education, parenting, school psychology, behavior analysis, child development, trauma, COVID-19, social skills, BCBAs, emotional support Takeaways The importance of community among school psychologists. Parenting approaches are evolving with new generations. Real-world experience is crucial for educators. Behavioral analysis can significantly improve student outcomes. COVID-19 has lasting effects on child development. Social skills are essential for children's success. Trauma-informed practices are necessary in schools. Collaboration between educators and behavior analysts is vital. Support systems are crucial for completing advanced degrees. The role of BCBAs in schools is often underappreciated. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to the Ponce Family 02:45 Navigating Doctoral Studies and Parenting 05:50 The Transition from Teaching to Behavior Analysis 08:27 The Impact of Experience in Education 11:25 Behavior Management in Schools 13:47 The Role of BCBAs in Education 16:49 Parenting Challenges and School Experiences 28:53 Navigating the Pandemic's Impact on Education 33:59 Understanding Trauma in School Settings 40:03 The Role of BCBAs and School Psychologists 45:18 Innovations in Assessment and Technology 51:13 Building Relationships in Education 58:04 Outro To learn more about The School Collective, Christopher's educational consulting business: Schoolcollective.net [http://schoolcollective.net/] To stream The School Collective podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MM9SXpneENLodxehBGB9C?si=ciBImeN9TDeOYcv93rflfw [https://open.spotify.com/show/2MM9SXpneENLodxehBGB9C?si=ciBImeN9TDeOYcv93rflfw]

Juliana Ramirez: Independent School Psychologist and Children's Author

Summary Juliana Ramirez, an independent bilingual school psychologist and children's author, meets Jen for the first time in the studio. They discuss Juliana's journey in school psychology, the importance of cultural competency, and the challenges faced by immigrant families in the education system. Juliana shares her experiences in building her own business (Pera Services), the distinction between independent practice and private practice, and the role of social media in connecting with other professionals. The conversation also highlights Juliana's new children's book, Juanita La Princesita, which addresses anxiety and representation in literature for bilingual children. Keywords bilingual school psychology, independent practice, cultural competency, immigration trauma, children's literature, social media, professional growth, school psychologist, mental health, education Takeaways Juliana has been a school psychologist for 14 years. She started her bilingual school psychology business in 2018. Cultural competency is crucial in supporting immigrant families. Many school districts are now facing the challenge of serving EL students. Independent practice allows for more flexibility compared to private practice. Social media has opened up new avenues for professional connection and growth. Juliana's book addresses anxiety in children and promotes social-emotional learning. Representation in literature is vital for children from diverse backgrounds. The journey to independence can be gradual and should be approached with courage. Resources are available for school psychologists looking to start their own business. Learn More about Juliana: https://www.peraservicesinc.com/ Preorder Juanita la Princesita: https://www.amazon.com/Juanita-Princesita-Spanish-Juliana-Ramirez/dp/B0DHJG1M3B

Understanding IEPs: Parent Advocates Kathy Lutz and Jordan Dahlstrand

Summary In this conversation, Jen hosts Kathy Lutz and Jordan Dahlstrand to discuss the critical role of parent advocacy in special education. They explore personal journeys into advocacy, the complexities of navigating the IEP process, and the importance of having support systems in place for parents of children with disabilities. The discussion highlights the challenges faced in the educational system, the need for external support services, and the empowerment of parents to advocate for their children's needs. The conversation concludes with valuable resources for parents seeking advocacy and support. Links to Resources Mentioned by our Guests * Erie County Special Education Parent Services https://www.iu5.org/parent-student-services/special-education-parent-services * Education Law Services https://www.elc-pa.org/ * PA Special Education Resources for Families https://www.pattan.net/Parent-Information/Resources-for-Transitions * Keep Our Library Public! https://keepourlibrarypublic.com/ Takeaways Advocacy is essential for parents navigating complex legal issues in special education. Personal experiences shape the journey into advocacy. The IEP process can be overwhelming without support. Parents often need an advocate to help them feel heard. External support services can significantly aid children with disabilities. Advocates help bridge the gap between parents and schools. It's important to have a plan before IEP meetings. Parents should feel empowered to ask for what their child needs. Community resources are available for parents seeking help. Collaboration among parents can lead to better outcomes for children. Chapters 00:00 Introduction to Advocacy and Personal Stories 04:48 Kathy's Journey in Parent Advocacy 09:37 Jordan's Experience as a New Advocate 14:24 The Importance of Advocacy in Education 19:05 Navigating the IEP Process 23:50 Challenges in Special Education Services 28:15 The Role of External Support Services 33:09 Building Effective Communication in Meetings 37:39 Resources for Parents Seeking Advocacy 42:29 Final Thoughts and Community Support 59:51 Engagement and Community Building

Ryan Hogan Returns: World's Okayest School Psych and School Psych Dad

Summary In this episode of Ask Jen Psych, Jennifer Roden welcomes back Ryan Hogan , a school psychologist from Texas known on instagram as School Psych Dad @schoolpsychdad and World's Okayest School Psychologist @worldsokayestschoolpsych. They discuss Ryan's journey in the field of school psychology, the challenges and progress of his son with autism, and the importance of advocacy in special education. The conversation covers practical tips for parents navigating school transitions and placement changes, the significance of extended school year services, and the emotional landscape of parenting a child with special needs. They also touch on the impact of politics on special education and the importance of community resources and support groups for parents. Takeaways Jennifer Roden is back with her podcast, Ask Jen Psych. Ryan Hogan is now officially recognized as a school psychologist in Texas. Behavior is a form of communication, especially for children with autism. Parents should document their child's behavior to advocate for services. It's important to be vocal to legislators about special education needs. Parents need to be persistent in seeking services for their children. Building relationships with educators is crucial for a child's success. Parent support groups can provide valuable resources and connections. It's okay for parents to feel overwhelmed and seek help. Navigating the education system requires understanding and advocacy. Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Guest Reintroduction 01:08 Updates on Ryan's Career and Personal Life 03:35 Navigating Autism: Ryan's Son's Journey 09:44 The Importance of Extended School Year Services 11:58 Transitioning Between School Levels 18:33 Building Relationships with Educators 22:29 Documenting Progress for Services 27:59 Advocacy for Special Education Funding 31:32 Challenges in Special Education Services 36:23 Finding Support Groups and Resources 39:52 Navigating Outside Services and Therapies 44:41 Final Thoughts on Parenting and Support 54:49 Introduction to Ask Jen Psych 55:16 Engagement and Community Building 55:28 lifestyle-outro-low.wav