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Oct. 5, 2023

Dr. Brian Grass: IEPs, 504s and Working With The School

Dr. Brian Grass: IEPs, 504s and Working With The School
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This Way Up

In this episode of This Way Up, we are joined by Dr. Brian Grass for a compelling discussion centered around a crucial facet of your child's journey - their educational experience. Dr. Grass delves into the fundamental right of every child to access a free and appropriate education and sheds light on what this entails. Moreover, he shares of the distinctions between a 504 plan and an Individualized Education Program (IEP), providing valuable insights into what parents can anticipate when utilizing these educational resources. Dr. Grass emphasizes the significance of fostering relationships with advocates across all tiers of the school system to ensure the best possible educational support for your child. Tune in for an enlightening conversation that delves deep into the world of education and advocacy.

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Disclaimer: The information provided in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be considered as professional advice. Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their specific situations.


Transcript

00:00 Introduction
Dr. Grass shares his personal journey into the field of education, highlighting his passion and expertise in special education.

6:24 Understanding Your Child's Educational Rights: IEPs and 504s
Dr. Grass delves into the rights of children with disabilities, emphasizing their entitlement to a free and appropriate education. He elaborates on the concept of fulfilling the child's access to learning and explores the distinctions between Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) and 504 plans.

25:43 Nurturing Growth: Allowing Your Child to Learn from Mistakes
Dr. Grass addresses the sensitive topic of fostering a child's growth and resilience, drawing a compelling analogy between shepherding and engineering approaches to parenting. He illuminates how these parenting styles can either support or hinder a child's development.

38:52 Cultivating Trust Through Relationships
Recognizing that a child spends a significant portion of their life within the school system, Dr. Grass underscores the importance of building relationships with school personnel and the school district. He provides insights into developing meaningful connections, including tips on establishing rapport with the school board, and discusses how these relationships can be instrumental when navigating challenges within the school environment.

46:18 Public vs. Private Schooling: A Brief Overview
Dr. Grass briefly touches upon the disparities in resource allocation between public and private schools. While this topic is only briefly discussed in this episode, stay tuned for future episodes where we will delve deeper into this subject.

Resources and References:

FAPE: The right to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) is an educational entitlement of all students in the United States who are identified as having a disability, guaranteed by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973[1][2] and the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).

FAPE is a civil right rooted in the Fourteenth Amendment, which requires schools to provide students with disabilities special education and related services, at public expense, designed to prepare those students for the future. 

https://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ocr/frontpage/pro-students/issues/dis-issue03.html

Shepherding vs Engineering

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxJVq8YjzLM


Disclaimer: The information provided by This Way UP and in this podcast is for educational and informational purposes only. It is not intended as a substitute for the advice of a physician, psychotherapist, or other qualified professional, diagnosis, or treatment.  Listeners are encouraged to seek guidance from qualified professionals for their specific situations.