SpecialEd, IEPs, 504s, Oh my! Conversations with DCSEAC

Navigating Transitions in Special Education: From Middle School to Adulthood In this episode of SpecialEd, IEPs, 504s, Oh my: Conversations with DCSEAC, the focus is on the critical transitions for students with special needs from middle school to adulthood. The hosts delve into the nuances of changing IEP instructional minutes and direct versus indirect services as students enter high school. They discuss the importance of understanding high school options, including team-taught classes and the specific needs of students with various disabilities. The conversation extends to post-high school options, exploring Bridge programming, vocational pathways, and the challenges of transitioning out of the public school system into adulthood. Emphasis is placed on the necessity of individualized plans, the continuity of advocacy, and the need for purposeful engagement post-graduation.00:00 Introduction and Recap of Part One 00:47Transitioning to High School: Key Changes in IEPs 01:08Understanding Direct and Indirect Services 02:27Navigating High School Programs and Options 03:39The Importance of Electives and Extracurriculars 11:17Alternative High School Programs and Support Systems 11:53Advocating for Your Child's Needs 18:27Bridge Programs: Transitioning to Adulthood 20:19Exciting News: New Bridge Site Announcement 21:01Legacy Program: A Unique Opportunity 21:46Understanding Bridge Program Variations 23:09Project Search: High Functioning Students 24:03Bridge Program Qualifications and Benefits 26:13Pathways vs. Bridge: Key Differences 30:10Transitioning from School to Adulthood 30:46Facing the Cliff: Life After Bridge 31:56Volunteer Work: A Valuable Alternative 37:41Planning for the Future: Financial and Medical Considerations 38:22Conclusion: Navigating Transitions TogetherDCSEAC Video - Getting to the Legacy Cafehttps://youtu.be/XAxYzWoZkicMini TedTalk Linkhttps://www.facebook.com/share/v/1CCuLcPtD3/

Show Notes: DCSEAC Shining Stars Award - Celebrating Those Who Make a DifferenceEpisode OverviewJoin hosts Meredith and Courtney as they discuss the DCSEAC Shining Stars Award program, a special initiative to recognize and celebrate the educators, staff, and community members who make a profound impact on children with special needs in Douglas County.Featured Guest: Courtney - Shining Star Coordinator for DCSEACKey Topics Discussed: What is the Shining Stars Award?An annual recognition program celebrating staff members who impact children with IEPs and 504 plansOpen to ALL school staff: teachers, paraprofessionals, bus drivers, crossing guards, custodians, therapists, social workers, principals, and even therapy dogs and their handlersNot limited to just teachers - anyone in Douglas County schools who makes a differenceWhy It MattersRecognizes the often-unseen daily efforts of school staffAcknowledges the impact on both students AND familiesHelps combat feelings of isolation in the special education communityShows appreciation for those who "show up on the good days and the bad days"Important DatesNominations Open: February 15thNominations Close: February 28th (2-week window)Drawing Date: March 11th (with district representatives)Basket Delivery: March 24thHow to NominateVisit the DCSEAC website and click "Nominate"Simple step-by-step process requiring:Nominee's nameSchool affiliationTheir role/position1-2 sentences (or more!) about their impactEvery nominee receives their nomination in writing, beautifully presented for them to keepThe Recognition10 Grand Prize Baskets: Randomly selected from all nomineesBaskets curated with love, filled with donations from local businessesGift cards to Target, Walmart, Office Depot, Staples, Michael's, and moreEvery Single Nominee receives their nomination certificate, regardless of basket selectionWho Can Be Nominated?Public schools throughout Douglas CountyCharter schools (American Academy, Castle Pines, Lehman, etc.)Elementary, middle, AND high school staffAnyone who works with special education studentsHow to SupportDonate: Scan QR code or visit the cheddar up link on the DCSEAC websiteSpread the Word: Share with other parents and community membersBusiness Donations: Contact Courtney through the website or social mediaGift cards and monetary donations go a long way for classroom suppliesConnect with DCSEACWebsite: info@DCSEAC.orgFacebook: DCSEACInstagram: DCESAC_COEmail: Available on websiteCall to ActionIf there's a teacher, aide, bus driver, or any staff member who has made your IEP or 504 journey a little brighter, now is the time to let them shine! Nominations open February 15th for just two weeks.Note: DCSEAC is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting families navigating special education in Douglas County.

In this episode of 'SpecialEd, IEPs, 504s, Oh My: Conversations with DCSEAC,' host Aleia Mastroianni discusses behavioral supports in schools with Tanya Anglemyer, a member of the district's behavioral support team and lead CPI trainer. They explore various strategies to approach and manage challenging behaviors in students with disabilities, emphasizing understanding and addressing the root causes rather than labeling students as 'bad.' Tanya shares her personal journey into special education and her experience in working with diverse student needs. The conversation covers the importance of knowing students' baseline behaviors, using de-escalation techniques, and the philosophy behind Positive Behavior Support (PBS). They discuss the essential collaboration between educators, behavioral specialists, and parents, including the use of Functional Behavioral Assessments (FBA) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIP). The episode also highlights the legal requirements surrounding restraints and the district's commitment to transparent and safe practices.DCSD Board Policy JKAhttps://dcsdk12.community.highbond.com/home/public/document/4268DCSD Board Policy JKA-Rhttps://dcsdk12.community.highbond.com/home/public/document/4270DCSD Board Policy JKA-Ehttps://dcsdk12.community.highbond.com/home/public/document/4269Parent Universityhttps://www.dcsdk12.org/parents-students/resources/parent-university

Podcast Title: Decoding Dyslexia Part 2Episode Summary: In this follow-up episode, host Meredith continues the conversation on dyslexia with district specialist Lynni Nordheim, joined by Tashia and Aleia. The panel dives deeper into Colorado’s new universal dyslexia screening law, practical strategies for supporting students, and the emotional journey of families navigating dyslexia in the school system.Key Topics Covered:Colorado’s Dyslexia Legislation:Overview of Senate Bill 25-200 and its impact on universal screening for K-3 students.How the law is changing district practices and teacher training.Screening and Support Beyond Early Grades:What happens for students outside the K-3 screening window.The importance of ongoing support and intervention for older students.Practical Advice for Parents:How to advocate for your child if you suspect dyslexia.The difference between school screenings and private evaluations.Navigating IEPs, 504s, and Read Plans.Teacher Training and Classroom Strategies:The district’s efforts to train middle and high school teachers in structured literacy.Addressing the social-emotional needs of students with reading challenges.The value of honest conversations and building trust between teachers, students, and families.Accommodations vs. Remediation:Balancing tools like audiobooks and extra time with the need for direct reading instruction.Encouraging student self-advocacy and individualized support.Parent and Student Stories:Real-life examples of advocacy, success, and the ongoing challenges families face.Tips for building strong partnerships with teachers and school staff.Resources Mentioned:DCSEAC website: DCSEAC.orgContact info: info@dcseac.orghttps://www.dcsdk12.org/about/departments/special-education/directors-coordinatorsConnect with Us:Follow, like, and share this podcast to help spread awareness.Reach out with questions, feedback, or topic suggestions for future episodes.Thank you for listening! If you found this episode helpful, please share it with other parents, educators, and advocates. Stay tuned for more conversations on supporting students with dyslexia and learning differences.

In this episode of 'SpecialEd IEPs, 504s, Oh my: Conversations with DCSEAC,' Aleia Mastroianni, Courtney Nangle, and Lisa Graham, the Director of Early Childhood Education, discuss key issues related to early childhood education and the special education services available in Douglas County. Topics include the appropriateness of schools discussing potential disabilities with parents, the evaluation process for learning differences, preschool suspensions, and educational eligibility criteria. They also clarify the differences between medical diagnoses and educational eligibility, explain the IDEA Parts B and C for early intervention, and provide insights into the structure and benefits of Douglas County School District’s preschool programs. Emphasis is placed on the accessible, free, and high-quality support available to all preschool children, and the importance of a collaborative approach between educational staff and parents.DCSD Preschool Pagehttps://www.dcsdk12.org/schools-academics/schools/preschoolDCSD ChildFind Pagehttps://www.dcsdk12.org/about/departments/early-childhood-education/child-find-screening-evals-3-5CDC Childhood Milestones Pagehttps://www.cdc.gov/act-early/milestones/index.html

Show Notes: Oh My! The Functional Behavior AssessmentEpisode Overview: In this final segment of the three-part series, Meredith and Tashia are joined by Dr. Stephanie Crawford (Director of Mental Health), Dr. Bernadette Pigeon (Mental Health Coordinator), and Ellen Kerkoff (Mental Health Lead) to demystify the Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) process in schools. The discussion covers when and why an FBA is used, how it differs from other evaluations, and what parents can expect.Key Topics Covered:What is a Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA)?Signs a student might need an evaluation beyond academicsWhen and why an FBA is triggeredThe difference between an FBA and a psycho-educational evaluationThe process for parents to request a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP)Addressing safety concerns and behavioral patterns in studentsFBA and BIP eligibility for general education, 504, and special education studentsThe role of behavioral RTI (Response to Intervention)The importance of individualized support and inclusion for all studentsGuest Introductions:Dr. Stephanie Crawford: Director of Mental Health, oversees the district’s mental health team and crisis response.Dr. Bernadette Pigeon: Mental Health Coordinator, works with psychologists, social workers, and crisis teams.Ellen Kerkoff: Mental Health Lead, coaches and supports school psychologists and social workers.Special Highlights:Douglas County’s mental health internship programs and recent APA accreditation.The district’s commitment to high-quality training for school psychologists and social workers.Emphasis on all students being general education students first, with support tailored to individual needs.Resources & Contact:Learn more about DCSEAC: DCSEAC.orgEmail: info@dcseac.orgFollow DCSEAC on social media for updates and upcoming conversations.Call to Action: If you found this episode helpful, please like, share, and follow the podcast. Reach out with suggestions or questions via social media or email.Missed previous episodes? Check out the first two parts on IEP referral, evaluation, and meetings for a complete understanding of the process.