The Heart of Advocacy

My mission at The Heart of Advocacy is to help all of the overwhelmed Mama's who are trying to navigate the challenging world of special education. I am here to help you feel empowered when making decisions that impact your child's future and to walk along side and support you on your journey. You've got this!

Navigating the Holidays 12/19/2023

Navigating the Holidays The holidays can be a stressful time of year for any family. There are all of the traditions, family gatherings, work parties, kids out of school, but at the same time just as much on your plate as before. Now add to the mix having a child with special needs and added considerations to make the holidays go as smoothly as possible. In this episode, I will give you 5 tips for navigating the holidays with a child with special needs. Hopefully this list will bring you some comfort while letting you know you have permission to let go of those things that do not serve your family right now. /episode/index/show/ba7db631-2bba-4ba2-b190-8af7e050cfa5/id/29117808

My Favorite Gift Ideas 12/12/2023

My Favorite Gift Ideas In this episode I will be discussing 3 of my favorite gift ideas for children that all work on hand strengthening and proprioceptive input, which is the deep pressure/heavy work that gives input to our joints. /episode/index/show/ba7db631-2bba-4ba2-b190-8af7e050cfa5/id/29010048

Welcome Back! 12/05/2023

Welcome Back! In this episode, I explain the "Heart" in The Heart of Advocacy Podcast. I talk about why I've been away for a bit, new formatting, and my why behind doing what I am doing. /episode/index/show/ba7db631-2bba-4ba2-b190-8af7e050cfa5/id/28930988

School Avoidance 03/21/2023

School Avoidance What is school avoidance and how is it different from truancy. In this episode, I share a personal story about my son and his struggles with attending school. I share what I think has led him to where he is now and what the school and I are doing to try to help him. Throughout this journey, I have found that connection is important when working through school avoidance as well as approaching it from a troubleshooting viewpoint. /episode/index/show/ba7db631-2bba-4ba2-b190-8af7e050cfa5/id/26273892

All About Anxiety 03/14/2023

All About Anxiety Did you know that anxiety is your body’s response to danger? It is your body’s way to prepare for “fight or flight”. In this episode, you will learn about some common forms of anxiety among children, how the anxiety manifests as well as some self-care options to help control anxiety. /episode/index/show/ba7db631-2bba-4ba2-b190-8af7e050cfa5/id/26204145

IEP VS 504 Plan 03/07/2023

IEP VS 504 Plan What is the difference between an IEP and a 504 Plan? What are the requirements for each one? Are there similarities? In this podcast episode, we explore the similarities and differences between IEP’s and 504 plans. /episode/index/show/ba7db631-2bba-4ba2-b190-8af7e050cfa5/id/26133363

Data Collection at Home 02/21/2023

Data Collection at Home In this episode, we explore why data collection at home can be beneficial and what to do if data does not align with data that is reported from the school. /episode/index/show/ba7db631-2bba-4ba2-b190-8af7e050cfa5/id/25905888

Setting up a Learning Space at Home 02/14/2023

Setting up a Learning Space at Home In this episode, we talk about how to set up a learning space at home based on the purpose of the space and how to make it functional to meet the needs of you and your child. /episode/index/show/ba7db631-2bba-4ba2-b190-8af7e050cfa5/id/25905837

Sensory Magic 02/07/2023

Sensory Magic Sensory Magic is going to be things that you can add to your bag of tricks to help you meet some of your child's sensory needs. /episode/index/show/ba7db631-2bba-4ba2-b190-8af7e050cfa5/id/25715985

The Hidden Senses 01/31/2023

The Hidden Senses When asked how many senses we have we typically think about the 5 senses: vision (sense of sight), auditory (sense of sound), gustatory (sense of taste), olfactory (sense of smell), and tactile (sense of touch). But did you know there are actually 8 senses. Today we are going to talk about the three lesser known senses, red flags, and two of my favorite sensory resources. /episode/index/show/ba7db631-2bba-4ba2-b190-8af7e050cfa5/id/25715949

Unlocking the Senses 01/24/2023

Unlocking the Senses Let’s talk about the 5 senses that you learned when you were very little. Then let’s go further in depth with the four sensory needs including seeking, low registration, avoiding, and varied. Finally, I’ll share some red flags to help you determine if your child might have any sensory needs that are not being addressed. /episode/index/show/ba7db631-2bba-4ba2-b190-8af7e050cfa5/id/25693440

Speaking from the Heart 01/19/2023

Speaking from the Heart In this bonus episode, I share some things that have been on my mind in regards to advocacy and a few fun facts about me! /episode/index/show/ba7db631-2bba-4ba2-b190-8af7e050cfa5/id/25625028

What to do After an IEP Meeting 01/17/2023

What to do After an IEP Meeting What you do after an IEP meeting is just as important as what you do before and during the IEP meeting. In this episode, you will learn next steps, including how to write a follow up email. /episode/index/show/ba7db631-2bba-4ba2-b190-8af7e050cfa5/id/25624521

Preparing for an IEP Meeting 01/08/2023

Preparing for an IEP Meeting Do you ever get lost in what you should be doing prior to your child’s IEP meting? If so, this episode is for you! We are going to talk about writing a parent input statement, requesting and IEP draft, and note taking. /episode/index/show/ba7db631-2bba-4ba2-b190-8af7e050cfa5/id/25537938

Types of Visual Supports 01/03/2023

Types of Visual Supports There are 5 main categories of visual supports. They go from the most concrete to the most abstract. In this episode of The Heart of Advocacy, find out the different kinds of visual supports, which ones may be the best fit for your child, and how to find them. /episode/index/show/ba7db631-2bba-4ba2-b190-8af7e050cfa5/id/24974370

Why Use Visuals? 12/27/2022

Why Use Visuals? I love visuals! Visuals help my students out in so many ways and they can help you out at home too! Listen to this episode of The Heart of Advocacy Podcast to find out the many ways you can use visuals for successful outcomes! /episode/index/show/ba7db631-2bba-4ba2-b190-8af7e050cfa5/id/24974331

Vision Statement 12/20/2022

Vision Statement Wouldn't it be great to see into your child's future? To see them beyond their school years? To know who their friends are, where they live, and if they are successfully holding down a job? Well, a vision statement is a working document that you create with your child that encompasses shared hopes and dreams for the future. It is a document that can be shared with others so they can gain better insight into your child's strengths and areas of need. Listen to this Heart of Advocacy Podcast to find out more! /episode/index/show/ba7db631-2bba-4ba2-b190-8af7e050cfa5/id/24974295

IEP Basics 12/13/2022

IEP Basics In this episode of The Heart of Advocacy we will answer these 3 questions: What is an IEP? What are the parts of an IEP? What is your role in the IEP process as a parent or legal guardian? /episode/index/show/ba7db631-2bba-4ba2-b190-8af7e050cfa5/id/24974232

The Evaluation Process 12/06/2022

The Evaluation Process This Heart of Advocacy Podcast walks you through the steps of a special education evaluation and why your voice is vital in the process. /episode/index/show/ba7db631-2bba-4ba2-b190-8af7e050cfa5/id/24974208

Early Intervention 11/29/2022

Early Intervention In this episode of The Heart of Advocacy, I will answer 3 questions: What is early intervention? What are the benefits of early intervention? What does early intervention look like? /episode/index/show/ba7db631-2bba-4ba2-b190-8af7e050cfa5/id/24974160

I'm concerned, now what? 11/22/2022

I'm concerned, now what? Your child is not meeting developmental milestones and you are not sure what the next steps are to get your child the support he or she needs. Listen to this episode to find out how to make a referral for early intervention or special education. /episode/index/show/ba7db631-2bba-4ba2-b190-8af7e050cfa5/id/24974094

Welcome! 11/10/2022

Welcome! Welcome to the Heart of Advocacy Podcast! I am so excited to share this inaugural episode with you! In it, you will get to learn a bit about me and why I have decided to jump into the world of special education advocacy!!! /episode/index/show/ba7db631-2bba-4ba2-b190-8af7e050cfa5/id/24973950

The Heart of Advocacy

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