Why the IEP Is the Heart of Special Education

Behind every child with unique learning needs is a team of dedicated educators and caregivers, working together to build not just an academic path but a life of dignity, purpose, and possibility. At the center of that journey stands a tool that transforms potential into progress: the Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

The IEP is more than a document. It is a personalized roadmap—designed to celebrate a child’s strengths, support their challenges, and ensure that education is not just equal, but equitable. For children with disabilities, the IEP is a legal promise that their learning needs will not be overlooked, rushed, or underestimated.

In this article, we will explore the importance, core elements, and procedures involved in crafting an effective IEP—and why, when done right, it becomes one of the most powerful advocacy tools in a child’s educational journey.

I had the honor of being featured on Venita Litvack's Speechie Side Up Podcast.

We talk about disability, accessibility, and diversity in the CSD field.

Please take a listen and feel free to share!

https://anchor.fm/speechiesideup

As a certified hypnosis practitioner, I've helped aspiring SLPs pass the SLP Praxis® exam using visualization strategies. Research hypnosis helps test takers reduce their test and general anxieties (Pachaiappan, et al., 2023).

Still skeptical? See the full article here: https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/23311908.2023.2281745

I created a FREEBIE to help aspiring SLPs pass the SLP Praxis exam using my recommended materials. These materials are hand-picked according to each learning style. You can get the FREE resource here: tinyurl.com/praxislearningstyles.

PRAXIS PREPPERS: I'm going LIVE tonight on Youtube to discuss different study materials I recommend according to your learning style. You can see the LIVE and replay HERE: youtube.com/@pediatricspeechsisternetwork.

You can also check out my free resource where I provide links to materials here: tinyurl.com/praxislearningstyles

Praxis Preppers! What are your biggest challenges when it come to passing the SLP Praxis exam?

Join us at Developmental Digest as Angelyn Franks, SLP.D, CCC-SLP unlocks the secrets to recognizing and combating burnout in clinical practice. Learn the importance of awareness and practical strategies for integrating mindfulness into your daily routine and reclaiming your well-being.

https://nataliemarieslp.com/podcast/burnout-mindset-afrank

Whether you're a speech pathologist, educator, parent, or simply passionate about self-care, this episode promises invaluable insights for all. Don't miss out—tune in now and take the first step towards a healthier, more fulfilling professional life.

If you're studying for the SLP Praxis® exam, I highly recommend building a habit of meditation.

I started meditating in graduate school.

I didn’t exactly know what I was doing, but I trusted the guided meditations on the Insight Timer app to ground me as I navigated the grad school storm.

Without my meditation habit, I wouldn’t have cultivated the intuition that’s helped me:
💖 Create a Praxis study plan aligned with my schedule
💖 Overcome limiting beliefs keeping me in self-doubt and scarcity
💖 Use my intuitive guidance to answer Praxis test questions correctly (leading to a 172 score)
💖 Trust myself enough to take BIG LEAPS OF FAITH to become the SLP my inner child marvels at every day.

Meditation has been one of my favorite tools for visualizing my success until I am living in that reality.

Just 3 minutes a day of mindful breathing can make a difference!

P.S. I love helping aspiring SLPs pass the Praxis so they can create their dream careers in speech pathology.

If you want to pass the SLP Praxis® the first time, DM me the word “COACHING”

💖 And let’s chat to see how I can coach you through your limiting beliefs, help you create a personalised study plan, and fast track your way to SLP Praxis® success and your dream career in speech pathology!

Lookout for weekly tips on how you can pass the SLP Praxis® exam by up levelling your mindset, using a study strategy and maintaining your “Why”.

📌Save for later and send to your speech bestie!

Which books would you recommend for teaching graduate students ASL? I'm seeing books for baby sign language and adult sign language. If there's an author you'd like to support please let me know!

It's time for another Praxis study question!

A 70-year-old patient experienced a left-hemisphere stroke and now exhibits difficulty understanding and producing grammatically complex sentences. What type of aphasia is likely present?
- A) Broca's aphasia
- B) Wernicke's aphasia
- C) Global aphasia
- D) Anomic aphasia