Special Education Essentials: For Parents & Families

Assessing Your Child’s Learning Challenges — Getting the IEP

Special Education Essentials: For Parents & Families with David Tollner, Episode 12 In this episode of Special Education Essentials: For Parents & Families, David Tollner speaks about: *  IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act) and its requirements for accommodating children with disabilities in the educational system * Independent Educational Evaluations (IEE) — what is this and when is it needed *  Strategies for dealing with uncooperative school districts, including legal options and seeking private assessments * The significance of unilateral placement notices for securing appropriate educational services at public expense Disclaimer: The law is complex and this podcast does not cover all situations, legal responsibilities, or variations in different circumstances. This podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only and nothing contained in this podcast should be construed as legal advice. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or Tollner Law Offices. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. This podcast is not intended to replace legal advice.   Tollner Law Offices offers new clients in California a free 20-minute consultation. To get started, please complete the initial intake form by clicking on this link: https://tollnerlawoffices.cliogrow.com/intake/MriSWly5j2QEG-c5s3os8w [https://tollnerlawoffices.cliogrow.com/intake/MriSWly5j2QEG-c5s3os8w])

Tailoring Educational Programs for Students with Learning Differences with Julie Smith

Special Education Essentials: For Parents & Families with David Tollner, Episode 11 In this episode of Special Education Essentials: For Parents & Families, David Tollner speaks with Julie Smith, Head of School at Stanbridge Academy. Tune in to the episode to hear about:  * Stanbridge Academy's programs, including their small class sizes, individualized learning plans, and social pragmatics training  * Stanbridge’s recent certification as a non-public school, which allows them to serve a broader segment of the population  * Stanbridge’s admission process, success stories, and the importance of preparing students for future educational opportunities, such as college and vocational training Learn more about Julie Smith:  * Visit Stanbridge Academy’s website: https://www.stanbridgeacademy.org [https://www.stanbridgeacademy.org]  * Connect with Julie on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-smith-0546a410 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/julie-smith-0546a410]  * Email: jsmith@stanbridgeacademy.org [jsmith@stanbridgeacademy.org] Disclaimer: The law is complex and this podcast does not cover all situations, legal responsibilities, or variations in different circumstances. This podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only and nothing contained in this podcast should be construed as legal advice. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or Tollner Law Offices. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. This podcast is not intended to replace legal advice.   Tollner Law Offices offers new clients in California a free 20-minute consultation. To get started, please complete the initial intake form by clicking on this link: https://tollnerlawoffices.cliogrow.com/intake/MriSWly5j2QEG-c5s3os8w [https://tollnerlawoffices.cliogrow.com/intake/MriSWly5j2QEG-c5s3os8w])

Innovative Special Education Solutions with Lisa O'Hearn-Keck

Special Education Essentials: For Parents & Families with David Tollner, Episode 10 In this episode of Special Education Essentials: For Parents & Families, David Tollner speaks with Lisa O'Hearn-Keck, Dean of Students/Director of Community Outreach of Palo Alto Preparatory. Tune in to the episode to hear about: * How Palo Alto Preparatory supports children with special needs through experiential learning and individualized attention * How Palo Alto Prep caters to a wide range of students, including those with learning differences, ADHD, high-functioning autism, anxiety, and depression * The importance of a collaborative relationship with families, a safe and accepting environment, and unique programs * How Palo Alto Prep utilizes aviation and dogs to aid in reducing student anxiety * The distinctions between non-public schools (NPS) and private schools, detailing how NPS certification can affect district placement and legal processes for special education students Learn more about Lisa O'Hearn-Keck: * Visit Palo Alto Preparatory’s website: https://paloaltoprep.com/faculty-and-staff [https://paloaltoprep.com/faculty-and-staff] Disclaimer: The law is complex and this podcast does not cover all situations, legal responsibilities, or variations in different circumstances. This podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only and nothing contained in this podcast should be construed as legal advice. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or Tollner Law Offices. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. This podcast is not intended to replace legal advice. Tollner Law Offices offers new clients in California a free 20-minute consultation. To get started, please complete the initial intake form by clicking on this link: https://tollnerlawoffices.cliogrow.com/intake/MriSWly5j2QEG-c5s3os8w [https://tollnerlawoffices.cliogrow.com/intake/MriSWly5j2QEG-c5s3os8w])

Dyslexia Decoded: A Guide for Parents with School Leader Kristen Atkins

Special Education Essentials: For Parents & Families with David Tollner, Episode 9 In this episode of Special Education Essentials: For Parents & Families, David Tollner speaks with Kristen Atkins, Head of School at Winston Preparatory School. Tune in to the episode to hear about: - The importance of phonological awareness, foundational literacy skills, and progress monitoring using tools like the DIBELS to support students with dyslexia - The need for schools to train all teachers in foundational literacy skills, suggesting that effective reading instruction should be integrated across all subjects - The necessity for parents to be proactive, collect data on their child's reading progress, and advocate for evidence-based interventions during IEP meetings - The importance to focus on closing the educational gap for their children by ensuring consistent and targeted support from the school district Learn more about Kristen Atkins:  * Visit Winston Preparatory School’s website: http://winstonprep.edu [http://winstonprep.edu]  * Connect with Kristen on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-atkins-9a80705 [https://www.linkedin.com/in/kristen-atkins-9a80705] Disclaimer: The law is complex and this podcast does not cover all situations, legal responsibilities, or variations in different circumstances. This podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only and nothing contained in this podcast should be construed as legal advice. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or Tollner Law Offices. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. This podcast is not intended to replace legal advice.   Tollner Law Offices offers new clients in California a free 20-minute consultation. To get started, please complete the initial intake form by clicking on this link: https://tollnerlawoffices.cliogrow.com/intake/MriSWly5j2QEG-c5s3os8w [https://tollnerlawoffices.cliogrow.com/intake/MriSWly5j2QEG-c5s3os8w])

Community & Legal Support for Special Needs Families with April McCoy

Special Education Essentials: For Parents & Families with David Tollner, Episode 8 In this episode of Special Education Essentials: For Parents & Families, David Tollner speaks with April McCoy, an attorney, who specializes in special education and school discipline defense. She now works at LACY, which stands for Legal Advocates for Children and Youth. LACY is a program of a larger nonprofit called the Law Foundation of Silicon Valley, which is the largest legal aid services nonprofit in Santa Clara County. Tune in to the episode to hear about: * April’s personal journey into special education advocacy and details the various services LACY provides * The importance of community resources and understanding local support systems for special needs children, especially regarding IEPs and special education programs * Key resources and organizations, including LACY, COPA, and Disability Rights California, which offer essential support and information for parents navigating special education systems. Learn more about April McCoy: * Connect with April on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/aprildmccoy [https://www.linkedin.com/in/aprildmccoy] * View April's profile on Silicon Valley Law Offices’ website: https://www.svlo.com/attorney/mccoy-april-d [https://www.svlo.com/attorney/mccoy-april-d] * Read more about LACY: https://www.lawfoundation.org/children-youth [https://www.lawfoundation.org/children-youth] Disclaimer: The law is complex and this podcast does not cover all situations, legal responsibilities, or variations in different circumstances. This podcast is for entertainment and informational purposes only and nothing contained in this podcast should be construed as legal advice. The views expressed in this podcast may not be those of the host or Tollner Law Offices. We are not responsible for any losses, damages, or liabilities that may arise from the use of this podcast. This podcast is not intended to replace legal advice. Tollner Law Offices offers new clients in California a free 20-minute consultation. To get started, please complete the initial intake form by clicking on this link: https://tollnerlawoffices.cliogrow.com/intake/MriSWly5j2QEG-c5s3os8w [https://tollnerlawoffices.cliogrow.com/intake/MriSWly5j2QEG-c5s3os8w]