Starting With IEP

Welcome to Starting with IEP! I am Flor De Amelia, an Autism Mom, BCBA, IEP Coach, and SpEd Teacher. I deeply understand the IEP journey, having navigated it for my daughter for 16 years. This podcast goes beyond paperwork to demystify the process and help you confidently advocate for your child's long-term success. We feature honest conversations with parents, young adults, and insightful professionals, ensuring you feel prepared, empowered, and never alone. My mission is to help families find clarity, build confidence, and ensure their child's voice is truly heard.IEP COACHING & FREE RESOURCES!IEP Coaching with Flor de Amelia: tinyurl.com/FlorIEPCoachFree Parent's Starter Toolkit: tinyurl.com/FlorIEPStarter Free Parent's Checklist to Meaningful IEP Goals: tinyurl.com/FlorSMARTGoals Free Parent's Guide to Giving Effective IEP Feedback: tinyurl.com/FlorIEPFeedbackLet's Connect!Turn IEP stress into confidence. I share useful resources every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday across a

Starting With IEP is a education podcast hosted by Flor De Amelia Hoffman, with 33 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Flor De Amelia Hoffman hosts Starting With IEP, a education show with 33 episodes published.

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  Episode #32

  How to Disagree in IEP Meetings Without Feeling Intimidated ft. Marielle Mathews | Ep 32

  Apr 8, 202645 minS0

  <p>Have you ever walked out of an IEP meeting feeling overwhelmed, confused, or like decisions were already made without you? That feeling is more common than you think, and it does not mean you have to accept it.</p><p>In Episode 32 of Starting with IEP, host Flor de Amelia continues her conversation with Dr. Marielle Mathews to break down what parents need to know when they disagree with the school. This episode goes deeper into your rights, what to do when something doesn’t feel right, and how to advocate for your child without feeling intimidated or shut do...

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  Episode #31

  IEP Meetings: When to Say Yes, When to Say No, and What Schools Won’t Tell You- Marielle Mathews (Ep. 31)

  Apr 2, 202644 minS0

  <p>Have you ever sat in an IEP meeting feeling confused, overwhelmed, or unsure if you can speak up? You are not alone, and more importantly, you are not powerless.</p><p>In this episode 31 of Starting with IEP, Flor de Amelia is joined by Dr. Marielle Mathews to break down one of the most misunderstood parts of the IEP process: procedural safeguards and your rights as a parent. Together, they unpack what schools don’t always explain clearly, including when you can say yes, when you can say no, and how to confidently advocate for your child.</p><p>Yo...

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  Episode #30

  What Schools Won’t Tell You About ESY, 1:1 Support, and IEP Decisions

  Mar 25, 202644 minS0

  <p>ESY services and one-to-one support are some of the most misunderstood parts of the IEP process. Many families are told their child “needs” these services, only to realize that decisions are not always clearly explained or grounded in meaningful data. When this happens, services can become routine instead of purposeful, and may not truly support the child’s growth.</p><p>This conversation is for parents who have been encouraged to accept ESY without understanding why, questioned whether a one-to-one aide is truly helping or creating dependence, or felt unsure if school recommendations align with their child’s real-life needs. W...

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  Episode #29

  Episode 29: Is Your Child’s IEP Too Long… or Just Done Right? (What Schools Won’t Tell You)

  Mar 18, 20261h 4mS0

  <p>IEPs are meant to support students, but many families are told their plan is “too long,” “too detailed,” or “too complicated.” In Episode 29, we continue the conversation with Michael Plummer to unpack why that mindset can be harmful and what truly individualized planning should look like.</p><p>This episode explores what happens behind the scenes in special education leadership. From the realities of writing IEPs to the systems schools should have in place to monitor services, we discuss why transparency, strong documentation, and open communication matter for both families and educators.</p><p>Most importantly, we talk about how schools...

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  Episode #28

  Episode 28: What Every Parent Must Know About Transition IEP Planning

  Mar 4, 202634 minS0

  <p>Transition IEPs are one of the most critical parts of special education, yet they are often treated like a formality instead of a roadmap to adulthood. When transition planning is vague, delayed, or reduced to a single page in the IEP, students miss meaningful opportunities to build real-world skills before they exit the school system</p><p>In Episode 28, I walk through what a Transition IEP actually requires under IDEA, when it must begin, and how it should shape the entire IEP, not just senior year planning. We break down measurable post-secondary goals in education and training, employment, and...

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