Today, we’re talking to Melissa Carriveau.  She's a Master’s Level Certified Special Education Teacher with almost 25 years of experience.  She has been an doing special education consulting for nearly 20 years with both school districts and individual families. She was trained through the Federation of Children with Special Needs and through Wrightslaw. She is also a special education surrogate parent and the parent of a child with special needs.
In Today’s Episode We Discuss:
What is a Special Education Advocate?
What should we look for in an advocate?  
How best to communicate with schools
Assuming everyone is there for the right reasons.
How to navigate IEP & 504 Meetings
The importance of documentation
Keeping communication child centered
You’re a good parent.  Schools aren’t judging you.
Mourning the kid you didn’t have.
Why you shouldn’t sign anything at a team meeting
Team meetings are a negotiation
Getting your kid’s year started on the right foot with meetings & letters
Supports vs. Accommodations in school
504s vs. IEPs
Typical ADHD Accommodations
How to find an advocate
What an advocate needs from you
The importance od paperwork & documentation 

 
Links and Such:
 
Our Guest:
Find Melissa on Facebook at www.facebook.com/BayStateAdvocacy
Or email her at BayStateAdvocacy@gmail.com
 
 
ADHD Essentials:

ADHD Essentials Website
ADHD Essentials Facebook Community
Email Brendan at brendan@ADHDessentials.com