IEP Eligibility, Evaluations, and Parent Rights: Your Questions Answered

Do you know your rights? In this Ask the Advocate Q&A, Karen tackles the most common—and confusing—special education questions parents face, from eligibility and evaluations to services, placement, and what to do when the school says “no.”In this episode:OHI vs. SLD — what they mean, how they’re determined, and why it’s not “either/or.”ADHD — 504 accommodations vs. when an IEP is warranted (instruction + goals).Refusals to evaluate — how to respond and why prior written notice matters.What data to keep — progress monitoring, BOY/MOY/EOY benchmarks, WCPM, math gaps.ESY (Extended School Year) — what it is (maintenance), what it isn’t.Preschool/ECSE & early labels — developmental delay vs. autism and consent for services.Dyslexia/dysgraphia/dyscalculia — where they fit under IDEA (and where they don’t).Records reviews & dispute paths — practical next steps when you hit a wall.Key takeaways:Use data (not opinions) to drive decisions.Ask for comprehensive evaluations across all areas of suspected need.If testing is denied, request the decision in writing via prior written notice (PWN).When progress reports don’t match reality, bring your own data samples to the table.Behavior issues typically need instruction (SDI), not just accommodations.Want training and support?Join here: https://www.skool.com/special-education-academy/aboutWork with our team: Records reviews and advocacy support are available.📧 [email protected] Support the show✨ When we get it right for the child, we get it right for everybody. ✨👩‍⚖️ Hosted by Karen Mayer Cunningham, Advocate & Special Education Boss®Each week, Karen shares real stories, legal insights, and no-nonsense strategies to help you navigate special education with clarity and confidence.👉 Subscribe & never miss an episode — new episodes drop every week!🎓 Join The Academy: Weekly live trainings + 250+ hours of advocacy tools & expert resources🔗 Learn more at The Epic IEP™ Academy  First month free, after that, cancel anytime. 📱 Follow Karen on:TikTok & Instagram: @specialeducationbossYouTube: Special Education Academy🧠 Want to level up your advocacy game?Check out the Advocate's Bookshelf — a curated collection of must-have tools, guides, and legal references every special education advocate should own. From federal code to diagnostic manuals, these are the essentials that help you advocate with clarity and confidence.📚 Browse now: https://amzn.to/3RiQPLl(As an Amazon Associate, Karen may earn a small commission if you make a purchase — at no extra cost to you.)Because when...