Special Education Strategist: Learning Disabilities & IEP (Dyslexia, Executive Function, Dysgraphia, ADHD, Autism, Parent advocacy), IEP Coach & Educational Therapist Wendy Taylor, M.Ed., ET/P

• S4 Ep431: Early Intervention, Empowered Parents: Real Talk with Jackie Beach, M.Ed.

  What should you really be looking for in early childhood development—and what do you do when it feels overwhelming? Wendy sits down with Jackie Beach, founder of Rally Family Support and early childhood expert, for a candid, empowering conversation about noticing red flags, collecting meaningful data, and making the leap from early intervention to IEPs. Jackie blends wisdom and warmth as she reminds parents: you can trust your gut—and you’re not alone. Tune in for actionable advice, advocacy tips, and heartfelt encouragement. 3 Key Takeaways: Data is power: Learn how to collect developmental data through everyday routines and how to bring it to your pediatrician or school team. Your voice matters: How to use the parent input statement strategically during the IEP process. Be the quarterback: Jackie explains why parents must stay at the center of the conversation, especially during transitions between early intervention and school services. Connect with Wendy Taylor: Instagram: @learningessentials LinkedIn: Wendy Taylor Facebook: Learning Essentials Website: www.LearningEssentialsEDU.com Course: Cracking the Code to Special Education Eligibility Podcast link: The Special Ed Strategist Contact Jackie Beach: Website: www.RallyFamilySupport.com Instagram: @rallyfamilysupport

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• S4 Ep430: When College Feels Like Too Much (or Not Enough): Finding the Right Fit

  Is your teen overwhelmed by the idea of college? Or maybe you’ve realized that mainstream college—or even high-support programs like CLE—just don’t feel like the right fit. In this powerful conversation, Wendy Taylor sits down with Anne-Marie Stripling, an expert in college transition for students with learning and anxiety challenges, to explore how to build just-right support for young adults. With two decades of experience in special education and counseling, Anne-Marie shares what students really need before they ever pack their bags—and how parents can set the stage for success without stepping on independence. 3 Key Takeaways: Know Yourself First: Students must understand their learning profile and hidden supports before asking colleges for accommodations. Preview, Don’t Panic: Visiting the disability office isn’t just allowed—it’s essential. Ask smart questions, notice the vibe, and make support part of your selection criteria. Support ≠ Hovering: Parents can empower independence by asking, “What do you think the first step should be?” instead of jumping to solutions. Connect with Wendy Taylor & Learning Essentials  📸 Instagram | 💼 LinkedIn | 📘 Facebook 🌐 LearningEssentialsEDU.com 🎓 Enroll in Cracking the Code to Special Education Eligibility Contact Our Guest – Anne-Marie Stripling  🌐 focuscollegiate.com 📞 (800) 674-3397 📱 (617) 807-0055 📧 [email protected] Helpful Extras for Curious Listeners: Understood.org – College Planning with Learning Differences AHEAD – Association on Higher Ed and Disability U.S. DOE Transition Resource Guide

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• S4 Ep429: Go Gray with Me: The Story Behind My Mission

  This solo episode is raw, real, and rooted in love. Host Wendy Taylor, M.Ed., ET/P, shares her family’s deeply personal journey—how her son’s brain tumor diagnosis flipped her world and transformed her as a special educator and advocate. You’ll learn why she created the $19 course Cracking the Code to Special Education Eligibility—and how it can help you move from fear to clarity. 3 Key Takeaways: The emotional toll of sitting at the IEP table as a parent Why trusting your gut matters more than credentials A free resource to start your IEP journey with confidence Connect with Wendy:  📸 Instagram 🔗 LinkedIn 📘 Facebook 🌐 Website 🎓 Cracking the Code Course – $19 🎧 Podcast on Apple 🎧 Podcast on All Platforms Cracking the Code – Get free access to Module 1 during Brain Cancer Awareness Month with code: GoGray Course Link  Explore More: Pediatric Brain Tumor Foundation WrightsLaw – IDEA Law Resource Understood.org – IEP Basics for Parents

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• S4 Ep428: Out-of-Sync No More: Playful Tools for Sensory Success with Carol Kranowitz (Part 2)

  Feeling overwhelmed by your child’s sensory needs? In Part 2 of our conversation, sensory integration expert Carol Kranowitz returns to share practical, joyful strategies to help your child feel more confident and connected. From Ziploc paint bags to backyard crash pads, this episode is filled with simple tools to bring calm, play, and purpose into your day. Missed Part 1? Be sure to go back and catch it first! About the Guest: Carol Stock Kranowitz, M.A., is a pioneer in sensory integration education and author of the bestselling The Out-of-Sync Child. Her newest book, Good Times with Out-of-Sync Grandkids (coming March 2025), continues her mission to help families make sense of sensory challenges through play. 3 Key Takeaways: Behavior is communication — learn to spot what your child avoids, seeks, and finds calming. “Just right” challenges build skills and self-esteem (think pushing a laundry basket, not scrolling a tablet). Everyday items like rope, paint, and pebbles can become powerful sensory tools. Contact Wendy Taylor Instagram: @learningessentials LinkedIn: Wendy Taylor Facebook: Learning Essentials Website: LearningEssentialsEDU.com Check out Wendy's course: Cracking the Code to Special Education Eligibility Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts: The Special Ed Strategist Other platforms: https://pod.link/1639953041 Connect with Carol Kranowitz: Website: https://out-of-sync-child.com Book coming soon: Good Times with Out-of-Sync Grandkids (March 2025) Want to Learn More? The Out-of-Sync Child by Carol Kranowitz STAR Institute for Sensory Processing Sensory Integration Education Watch the live presentation on YouTube

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• S4 Ep427: Sensory Processing & The Out-of-Sync Child: A Conversation with Carol Stock Kranowitz

  What really makes a child "out of sync"? Wendy Taylor welcomes Carol Stock Kranowitz, renowned author of The Out-of-Sync Child, for an inspiring and practical conversation about sensory processing differences. With her signature warmth and wisdom, Carol explains how to identify sensory challenges, how they show up in everyday behavior, and what you can do to help. This episode is packed with aha-moments and activities that bring joy, connection, and movement back into learning. Carol Stock Kranowitz, M.A. is a pioneering voice in understanding Sensory Processing Differences. With over 25 years as a preschool teacher, her personal curiosity led her to write The Out-of-Sync Child, which has sold over 1 million copies and been translated into 16+ languages. Carol is also the author of several companion books focused on play, movement, and sensory-rich activities that support child development. Top 3 Takeaways from This Episode: Put on Your “Sensory Spectacles”: Carol urges listeners to become curious observers of their children’s behavior—what sensory input are they avoiding or craving? Movement is the Key to Learning: Small, consistent "heavy work" activities like pushing, pulling, and stretching can help regulate the nervous system and improve focus. Play Is Powerful: From painting with shaving cream to using inner tubes as resistance tools, everyday objects become magical learning tools for sensory exploration and growth. Resources Mentioned: The Out-of-Sync Child The Out-of-Sync Child Has Fun Growing an In-Sync Child Good Times with Out-of-Sync Grandkids Contact Host Wendy Taylor: Instagram: @learningessentials LinkedIn: Wendy Taylor Facebook: TutoringLE Website: LearningEssentialsEDU.com Course: Cracking the Code to Special Education Eligibility Listen & Subscribe: Apple Podcasts Spotify / All Platforms

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About Special Education Strategist: Learning Disabilities & IEP (Dyslexia, Executive Function, Dysgraphia, ADHD, Autism, Parent advocacy), IEP Coach & Educational Therapist Wendy Taylor, M.Ed., ET/P