You Are a Required Member of the IEP Team | Special Education Tips #1

Consent Is Powerful - And You Have the Right to Say No | Special Education Tip #6

Consent is powerful - and you have the right to say no. In this episode, Dr. Julie M. Lane discusses informed consent in special education and why parents should never feel pressured to make immediate decisions. Under IDEA, your consent is required for important parts of the special education process, including evaluations and placement. You have the right to ask questions, review documents, and take the time you need before signing. Your signature is not just paperwork. It is a safeguard. Learn more at empoweringparentsnetwork.org [http://empoweringparentsnetwork.org] and join the EPN Collective community for additional support and resources. #SpecialEducation #ParentRights #IDEA #InformedConsent #ParentAdvocacy #IEP #JulieMLane #EmpoweringParentsNetwork #EducationalRights #SpecialNeedsParenting #DisabilityAdvocacy #ParentSupport #VoicesOfEmpoweredParents #InclusiveEducation #EducationMatters

Building Strong Foundations: How Child Care Transforms Families & Communities | Adonai Mack

In this episode of Voices of Empowered Parents, Julie M. Lane welcomes Adonai Mack, Chief Executive Officer of Child Action, for a conversation about the critical role child care plays in supporting children, families, and communities. Together, they discuss the challenges many parents face in finding affordable, high-quality child care, the resources available to help families navigate their options, and how early learning opportunities can positively impact children's development and long-term success. Adonai also shares how advocacy, community partnerships, and investments in the child care workforce can help create a stronger future for families while addressing barriers that contribute to generational poverty. LinkedIn [https://www.linkedin.com/company/child-action-inc] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/ChildActionInc] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/childactioninc]

Start with Supports, Not Placement | Special Education Tips #5

Special education is not a place—it is services and supports. In this episode, Dr. Julie M. Lane explains why conversations about placement should begin with identifying the supports a child needs to succeed. Under IDEA, students are entitled to a free and appropriate education in the least restrictive environment. When supports are clearly defined, placement decisions become more informed and more individualized. Your child does not need to fit the system. The system is designed to support your child. Learn more at empoweringparentsnetwork.org [http://empoweringparentsnetwork.org] and join the EPN Collective community. #SpecialEducation #LeastRestrictiveEnvironment #IEP #IDEA #ParentAdvocacy #InclusiveEducation #JulieMLane #EmpoweringParentsNetwork #EducationalSupport #SpecialNeedsParenting #DisabilityAdvocacy #StudentSuccess #VoicesOfEmpoweredParents #ParentEmpowerment #EducationMatters

The Mental Health of Parents: Grief, Healing, & the Weight Families Carry | Shandjia Hoq

In this episode of Voices of Empowered Parents, Julie M. Lane welcomes mental health counselor Shanjida Hoq for a thoughtful conversation about caregiving, grief, emotional resilience, and the mental well-being of parents raising children with disabilities and special needs. Together, they discuss family dynamics, sibling relationships, learned helplessness, grounding practices, and the importance of helping parents feel seen and supported in their journey. Website [http://www.shanjidahoq.com/]

Your Rights Don’t End When You Disagree | Special Education Tips #4

Disagreement during the IEP process does not mean you are being difficult—it means you are engaged. In this episode, Dr. Julie M. Lane discusses procedural safeguards under IDEA and the protections available to parents when concerns arise. From prior written notice to mediation and due process, families have rights that matter. You do not have to make rushed decisions. You can pause, review, ask questions, and seek support before signing. Advocacy is not conflict. Advocacy is clarity. Learn more at empoweringparentsnetwork.org [http://empoweringparentsnetwork.org] and join the EPN Collective community for resources and support. #SpecialEducation #IDEA #ParentAdvocacy #ProceduralSafeguards #IEP #EducationalRights #JulieMLane #EmpoweringParentsNetwork #SpecialNeedsParenting #DisabilityAdvocacy #ParentSupport #InclusiveEducation #VoicesOfEmpoweredParents #EducationLaw #ParentEmpowerment