In this episode of Special Education Boss®, Karen dives into a rapid-fire Q&A answering the real questions families and teachers are facing right now—from placement and eligibility to SDI, IEPs, 504 plans, behavior, executive functioning, transition, and more.

If you've ever left an IEP meeting feeling confused, overwhelmed, or ready to throw a chair (Karen’s words, not ours), this episode is for you.

🎯 Here’s what Karen covers:

• Can a child have a 504 and an IEP at the same time?
• Why executive functioning isn’t a class—and what really works
• What ESY is (and isn’t), and when it applies
• Can a para deliver specially designed instruction?
• Why goals must be based on need, not just placement
• What happens when the school won’t follow LRE?
• How to prepare for transition services (hint: start sooner than you think)
• Karen’s origin story and why she’ll always fight for your kid

📣 Be sure to: 👉 Subscribe to the podcast on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you listen
👉 Watch the full video on YouTube: https://youtu.be/918iqLJtGb8
👉 Join The Academy for 300+ hours of training + live weekly support: https://www.skool.com/special-education-academy/about

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✨ 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 Academy

📬 Have a question? Email us at advocate@specialeducationacademy.com

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• YouTube: Special Education Academy

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