How to Prepare for an IEP Meeting (Parent Guide + Free Checklist)
June 4, 2026
This guide will walk you through exactly how to prepare for an IEP meeting so you can advocate for your child with clarity and confidence. Whether it's your first meeting or your tenth, a little preparation can make a big difference. I've sat on both sides of the IEP table, and I know how overwhelming these meetings can feel. This guide will help you walk into your next IEP meeting feeling prepared, informed, and ready to advocate for your child Early in my career, I watched a parent pull a notebook out of her bag filled with questions, work samples, and notes she'd taken throughout the year. She was calm, organized, and confident because she had prepared ahead of time. It reminded me that preparation helps parents …
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ADHD Accommodations Checklist: 32 Classroom Strategies That Actually Work
March 15, 2026
This post was updated on March 22, 2026. Supporting a child with ADHD in school can feel overwhelming—but the right accommodations can make a huge difference. Whether you're a parent preparing for an IEP or 504 meeting or a teacher looking for practical strategies, this ADHD accommodations checklist will help you find supports that actually work. In this guide, you’ll get:✔ 32 ADHD accommodations for school✔ Ideas for focus, behavior, and organization✔ IEP and 504 plan strategies✔ A free printable checklist 📌 What Are ADHD Accommodations? ADHD accommodations are supports that help students with attention, focus, and executive functioning challenges succeed in the classroom. These supports are often included in: IEPs (Individualized Education Programs) 504 Plans The goal is simple:👉 Remove barriers so students can learn effectively 💡 Why ADHD Accommodations Matter Students with ADHD may …
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Social Emotional IEP Goals: 20 Examples + How to Write Them (Parent & Teacher Guide)
November 5, 2025
updated March, 2026 Social-emotional IEP goals are one of the most important—and often overlooked—parts of an Individualized Education Program. If your child struggles with behavior, emotions, or social skills, these goals can make a huge difference. In this guide, you’ll find:✔ What social-emotional IEP goals are✔ How to write them (the RIGHT way)✔ 20 real examples you can use✔ A free checklist for IEP meetings 📌 What Are Social Emotional IEP Goals? Social-emotional IEP goals focus on helping students develop skills like: Emotional regulation Social interaction Self-awareness Coping strategies These are critical life skills that impact both academic success and relationships. 💡 Why Social Emotional Goals Matter Students with autism, ADHD, anxiety, or behavioral challenges often need direct instruction in: Managing emotions Building relationships Responding to frustration Research shows these skills support:✔ Better behavior✔ Stronger peer relationships✔ Improved academic outcomes ✏️ How …
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Best Sensory Toys for Autism and ADHD: How to Help Your Child Focus, Calm, and Thrive
May 2, 2025
Updated October 2025: Added expert insights and new sensory product picks. If your child has autism or ADHD, you’ve probably seen how a crowded classroom, loud noises, or scratchy tags can trigger overwhelm in seconds. For years, mornings in our house began with meltdowns—until I discovered sensory play. Sensory toys aren’t just fun; they’re In this guide, I’ll share research-backed sensory toys that truly help children thrive—plus expert insights and real-life experiences from our family’s journey. What Are Sensory Toys — and Why They Help Sensory toys engage one or more of a child’s senses—touch, sight, sound, movement, or balance. They help the brain organize sensory information, which can improve focus and reduce anxiety. “Sensory play helps children regulate their nervous systems,” says Dr. Jane Rivera, OTR/L, pediatric occupational …
