323. What We Wish We’d Known About IEPs

IEPs can feel overwhelming, emotional, and complicated—and that’s because they are.In this episode of The Lucky Few Podcast, we kick off our new season, What I Wish I’d Known About…, by talking about IEPs—what we wish we understood from the very beginning, and what we’ve learned the hard way.Fresh off a multi-hour meeting, we share honestly about the exhaustion, the tension, and the “us vs. them” dynamic that can creep in. We unpack how evaluations drive goals, how goals drive placement, and why learning the language of the IEP changes everything. We talk about inclusion, evolving expectations, and what it looks like to follow our child’s lead as they grow.Most importantly, we remind ourselves—and you—of this:Our kids are not problems to fix.The IEP exists to serve them.Whether this is your first meeting or your fifteenth, we hope this conversation helps you feel more steady, more informed, and less alone.SHOW NOTES:For more practical guidance, we’ve learned a lot from Ashley Barlow and her work at Ashley Barlow Co.. She offers clear, actionable resources to help you navigate IEPs, strengthen your advocacy skills, and understand your rights—all in one place.Check out more IEP Episodes:78. Building Trust (Not Barriers) w/Your Child’s IEP Team – IEP advocacy tips.94. IEPs during COVID-19, ft. IEP Lawyers Vickie Brett & Amanda Selogie – IEPs & distance learning.272. What Do We Wish We Knew Before Our First IEP Meeting? – Reflections on early IEPs.270. IEP Success: How to Plan, Communicate, and Collaborate (w/April Rehrig) – Practical IEP strategies.273. Breaking Down Barriers: The Parent’s Role In IEP Success (w/Ashley Barlow) – Parent advocacy in IEPs.CONNECT WITH THE PODCASTWEBSITEINSTAGRAMFACEBOOKCONNECT WITH HEATHER AVISWEBSITE: THE LUCKY FEW OFFICIALIG: THELUCKYFEWOFFICALFACEBOOKI LIKE YOU SO MUCHTHIS IS DOWN SYNDROMECONNECT WITH MERCEDES LARAIG: HOORAY4THELARASIG: HUMANLY.TVFACEBOOKCONNECT WITH MICHA BOYETTMICHABOYETT.COMIG: ACEFACEISMYFRIENDIG: MICHABOYETTLISTEN TO THE SLOW WAYDISCOUNT CODEFriends, grab your narrative shifting gear over on The Lucky Few Merch Shop and use code PODCAST for 10% off!HELP US SHIFT THE NARRATIVEInterested in partnering with The Lucky Few Podcast as a sponsor? Email [email protected] for more information!LET’S CHATEmail [email protected] with your questions and Good News or Shout Outs for future episodes.