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Life in the IEP Tribe: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Jared & Laura Curtis
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- Oct 28, 202541 min
From Sympathy To Action: Building A Compassionate Life In Special Education And Beyond
Let us know what's up What if the only way to interrupt harm—at school, at home, in the headlines—is to choose compassion when it’s least convenient? We sit down with my parents for a raw, four-voice conversation about the difference between sympathy, empathy, and compassion, and why the last one must be defined by action, not emotion. From stories in special education to the wear and tear of caregiving, we unpack how calling, humility, and heart-guarding keep us from slipping into control and resentment when stress spikes.We don’t romanticize it. Empathy has limits; you can’t fully stand in someone else’s shoes, and pretending you can often backfires. Instead, we offer a grounded path: tie your compassion to a larger purpose, practice restraint when buttons are pushed, and treat disruption as a prompt to ask why before you act. You’ll hear real classroom moments—the kick to the shin, the mess on the floor—and what it looks like to respond without making yourself the center. We also explore how faith shapes motive and endurance, and why denying our impulse to control can open space for wiser, kinder choices that protect the most vulnerable.By the end, you’ll have a practical framework to apply tomorrow: identify one routine you can soften, one student or family member you can meet at eye level, and one habit that keeps your heart from hardening. Compassion is a muscle, and repetition makes it reliable when life gets loud. If this conversation stirred something in you, subscribe, share this episode with a friend who needs it, and leave a review telling us the first place you’ll choose compassion this week.Support the show ★ Support this podcast ★
- Aug 30, 202531 min
Navigating the Rising Tide of Disruptive Classroom Behaviors
Let us know what's up Classroom behavior challenges have reached unprecedented levels, with more than 70% of teachers reporting increased disruptions post-pandemic. As educational professionals and parents navigate this complex landscape, we unpack the multifaceted impact these behaviors have on everyone involved in the classroom ecosystem.Disruptive behaviors don't just affect the student exhibiting them – they create ripple effects throughout the entire learning environment. Teachers lose valuable instructional time, students miss learning opportunities, and the classroom community experiences a diminished sense of belonging and connection. For educators, these constant interruptions contribute to stress, burnout, and ultimately, the decision to leave the profession altogether.Our conversation explores practical strategies for all stakeholders. For parents of children with behavioral challenges, we emphasize the power of parent-teacher partnerships and teaching children to process situations logically rather than emotionally. Rather than immediately defending your child, ask questions to understand what happened: "Walk me through this. How did we get here?" This approach helps children learn accountability while still feeling supported.Teachers need to maintain consistent expectations while building positive relationships with both students and parents. Sharing successes (not just concerns) creates trust and cooperation. Meanwhile, parents of other students in the classroom can use these situations as opportunities to teach compassion, understanding differences, and developing empathy – life skills that extend far beyond academic learning.The classroom represents a microcosm of the larger world, where children learn how to interact with others who have different needs, abilities, and responses. When we teach children to navigate these differences with grace and understanding, we're preparing them to become compassionate adults who can build meaningful connections across differences.Want to join our conversation? Let us know if you'd be interested in a "Life in the IEP Tribe: Don't Be a Turd" shirt by messaging us on Facebook or emailing lifeintheiptribe@gmail.com. We'd love to hear your experiences and strategies for addressing classroom behavior challenges.Support the show ★ Support this podcast ★
- Aug 23, 202532 min
Reunited: Starting Season Two with Fresh Energy
Let us know what's up Back with renewed energy for season two! After a whirlwind summer filled with unexpected adventures—including camping mishaps involving ninja trees and discovering they're woefully unprepared for tent camping in Florida's scorching heat—they're diving back into the podcast with fresh perspectives from their new professional roles.As the school year kicks into gear, behavior challenges emerge as students readjust to classroom structures after months of summer freedom. These transition periods reveal a universal truth in education: resistance is natural when expectations shift. For students with special needs, this adjustment can be particularly difficult as they navigate new routines, teachers, and demands. The hosts explore how seemingly minor issues—a fallen sock, tight shoelaces, or sensory discomfort—can trigger significant behavioral responses in children.The heart of effective behavior management lies in collaborative parent-teacher relationships. Rather than approaching meetings determined to convince each other they're right, both parties benefit from asking questions and genuinely listening. "What do you see for your child?" becomes a transformative question that reveals differing yet equally important perspectives. When parents and educators align their goals and understand each other's viewpoints, they create a unified team that truly supports student success. Remember, every child deserves advocates who prioritize their well-being, whether they have formal diagnoses or not. As one wise t-shirt reminds us: "Be kind, because you never know what another person is going through."Support the show ★ Support this podcast ★
- May 17, 202528 min
When Scissors Meet Sensory Needs: Transforming the Haircut Experience
Let us know what's up Every parent knows the challenge of a child's first haircut—the tears, the squirms, the fear. Now imagine that experience amplified by sensory sensitivities or communication barriers. For countless families of children with disabilities, something as routine as a haircut can become an overwhelming ordeal.Meet Brianna Wells, a hairstylist who transformed her career path from aspiring kindergarten teacher to specialized children's stylist. Working at Cookie Cutters salon in Yulee, Florida, Brianna has created a safe space where children with sensory sensitivities, autism, and various disabilities can receive haircuts in a supportive environment. With approximately 40% of her clientele having special needs, she's developed innovative approaches through careful observation and communication.The magic in Brianna's technique lies not in specialized training but in her willingness to listen and adapt. "I focus on acknowledging their comfort in whatever way they express it and leading with that," she explains. Whether using sensory toys for distraction, learning from ABA specialists who accompany clients, or tracking detailed notes about each child's preferences, Brianna tailors each haircut experience to the individual. Her success stories include children who once required 45-minute appointments filled with tears now sitting calmly for 15-minute cuts.Beyond techniques, Brianna emphasizes the importance of persistence. "Don't give up. Be persistent. The more consistent you are with these experiences, the better results you'll see," she advises parents. This philosophy mirrors what other specialists in the disability field consistently recommend—doing the challenging work now creates independence and confidence later.Whether you're a parent of a child with sensory sensitivities or a professional working with special needs populations, this episode offers valuable insights into creating inclusive experiences. Subscribe now to hear more conversations with experts who are reimagining how we serve children with disabilities in everyday settings.Support the show ★ Support this podcast ★
- May 10, 202535 min
Not a Pusher, But a Partner: One Para's Journey in Special Education
Let us know what's up Enter the world of special education through the eyes of Jenny Jacks. Her twelve years at a small private preschool, followed by six years as a para in various public school settings, have given her unique insights into supporting diverse learners. With warmth and practical wisdom, Jenny reveals how the strategies that work best are rarely one-size-fits-all but must instead be tailored to each child's specific needs. From simple modifications like providing lined paper for students with spatial challenges to understanding when a child just needs space to process emotions, Jenny shares the approaches that have helped her students thrive. Her practical wisdom resonates whether you're working with identified students with IEPs or children who simply need extra support to succeed. What stands out most is Jenny's philosophy on building trust through consistency and approaching challenges with a servant's heart. "If it's not disruptive or destructive, does it need to be addressed in the moment?" she asks, challenging listeners to consider whether immediate intervention is always necessary. This question alone transforms how we might respond to students experiencing emotional dysregulation. Jenny's collaborative approach with classroom teachers demonstrates how paraprofessionals can be most effective by maintaining open communication, asking for feedback, and putting the student's needs at the center of every decision. Her willingness to reach out to occupational therapists, former teachers, and specialists shows her commitment to finding solutions that work. The conversation culminates with a powerful message about purpose in education: "If you're not there to help students succeed, why are you there?" It reminds us that behind every effective intervention is genuine care for students' well-being and future success. Whether you're a teacher, paraprofessional, parent, or administrator, this episode offers valuable insights into supporting students with diverse needs through patience, individualized strategies, and what Jenny beautifully describes as teaching with a servant's heart. Listen and discover how "regulation before expectation" can transform your approach to supporting all learners.Support the show ★ Support this podcast ★
- Apr 26, 202534 min
Beyond Pencil Grips: How OT Creates Meaningful Independence
Let us know what's up Discover the transformative world of school-based occupational therapy with Taylor Pinson, an experienced OT working across all grade levels. Far beyond the common misconceptions of painful physical therapy, school OTs help students develop crucial skills for educational success through thoughtfully tailored interventions.Taylor demystifies how occupational therapy adapts across developmental stages - from foundational play and fine motor skills in preschoolers to classroom tool mastery in elementary years, and finally to executive functioning and vocational preparation for teenagers. She explains how therapists create personalized "sensory profiles" to understand each student's unique regulatory needs, then develop customized "sensory diets" of activities and supports that help students maintain optimal regulation throughout their school day.What truly distinguishes exceptional occupational therapy is the creativity and problem-solving involved. Taylor shares inspiring examples of ingenious adaptations that foster true independence - like modifying a Swiffer to help a student in a power wheelchair clean library tables independently, or creating a door-opening tool for a student who wanted to navigate hallways without waiting for assistance. These solutions embody the concept of "modified independence," allowing students to complete tasks autonomously with appropriate adaptations.Perhaps most compelling is Taylor's pragmatic approach to preparing students for real-world success. Rather than expecting the world to change for students with disabilities, she equips them with practical strategies and adaptations that work within existing environments. She emphasizes making interventions accessible and affordable, often engineering solutions from everyday items instead of recommending expensive specialty equipment.Whether you're a parent trying to understand your child's therapy, an educator collaborating with OT professionals, or someone curious about this multifaceted profession, this conversation illuminates how occupational therapy empowers students to engage fully in their education and develop skills for lifelong independence.Support the show ★ Support this podcast ★
- Apr 19, 202541 min
The Speech Umbrella: It's Not Just About Talking Good
Let us know what's up The mysterious world of speech therapy extends far beyond correcting pronunciation errors. In this eye-opening conversation with Speech Language Pathologist Eliana Rodriguez, we discover the vast "speech umbrella" covering everything from articulation and grammar to social language and alternative communication methods.Rodriguez reveals how speech therapists serve as crucial "gatekeepers" in child development, often being the first professionals to identify communication challenges in young children. She dispels common misconceptions, particularly the fear that augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) devices might prevent verbal speech development. Using a brilliant comparison, she explains how children who repeat phrases from videos can similarly learn from communication devices, opening worlds of expression for those who struggle to communicate verbally.The magic of effective speech therapy lies in meeting children where they are. Rodriguez describes getting down on the floor with nonverbal children, following their interests to build rapport, and creating personalized interventions based on what motivates each child. These child-led approaches transform therapy into engaging play while achieving critical communication goals.Parents struggling with whether to pursue speech services will find reassurance in Rodriguez's compassionate advice: trust your instincts, seek early intervention, and don't let pride or misconceptions stand in the way of getting help. The collaboration between speech therapists, teachers, and parents creates a powerful support system that can dramatically improve a child's ability to connect with the world.Have concerns about your child's communication development? May is AAC Awareness Month with devices up to 50% off. Don't wait to explore resources that could transform your child's ability to express themselves and engage with others.Support the show ★ Support this podcast ★
- Apr 12, 202535 min
Balancing Acts: When the Parent of an Autistic Child Becomes an Educator
Let us know what's up Ever wondered what it's like to walk in two pairs of shoes simultaneously? Meet Marlee Stevenson - first grade teacher by day, autism mom around the clock. Her journey with her nonverbal son Carson illuminates the powerful intersection of professional expertise and deeply personal experience.Marlee takes us behind the scenes of a transformation that changed her family's life - the introduction of a communication device for Carson. "We had that same fear," she admits, addressing the common concern that technology might discourage verbal development. Instead, it "opened up so many doors" and dramatically reduced frustration levels. For parents considering this path, she shares a valuable insider tip: April offers significant discounts on communication apps like Proloquo2Go.The conversation shifts to how parenting a child with autism has profoundly shaped Marlee's teaching approach. Her strategies - having backup plans, reading body language cues, providing clear step-by-step instructions - benefit all students but prove essential for neurodiverse learners. Her beach analogy brilliantly explains why inclusive environments matter: just as you can't truly understand the beach from descriptions alone, students need direct experience with diversity to develop empathy and understanding.Perhaps most compelling is Marlee's candid discussion of self-care. "I told myself for years that I can't leave him," she reveals. "He was more important." Her journey to recognizing that "it's okay if I walk away" for short breaks offers permission many special needs parents desperately need. Whether it's 20 minutes alone in the backyard or a regular girls' night out, these moments of respite allow parents to return refreshed and better equipped to support their children.The conversation concludes with practical classroom strategies for fostering acceptance, from children's books that teach inclusion to consistent communication between home and school. These approaches create environments where all students can thrive, regardless of neurological differences.What might your classroom or home look like if you implemented even one of these strategies? How could clearer communication or intentional inclusion change a child's experience?Support the show ★ Support this podcast ★
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About Life in the IEP Tribe
Join us as we dive into the world of special education with two educators who have walked the same path as many of you. In addition to teaching in self-contained and collaborative settings, our hosts bring a unique perspective to the challenges and triumphs of raising a special needs child. From classroom strategies to heartfelt family moments, they offer practical advice, empathy, and a community of support. Discover how their personal experiences can shed light on your journey and gain valuable insights into navigating the complexities of special education both in and out of the classroom. Welcome to the tribe!
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