In today’s episode, we’re talking to Joanna Salzman about IEPs, 504 Plans, the laws that make them possible, and More. Joanna is an educational consultant in Maryland. Joanna is a strong advocate for families in the initial identification of students who need an IEP and 504 plan. She is well-versed in the law, IDEA, and ensures that schools follow the proper procedures and rules.

Today we will answer these questions:

• What is the law that provides rights to special education services?
  • IDEA - Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
    • FAPE - Free and Appropriate Education
    • LRE ( Least Restrictive Environment)
• What is an IEP?
  • What are the major parts of the IEP?
  • Who decides what goes into a child’s IEP?
  • How should a parent prepare for the IEP meeting?
  • What happens at an IEP meeting?
  • How often are IEP meetings held?
• What is a 504 plan?
• What is the difference between a 504 plan and an IEP?
• What should a parent know to advocate for their child?
• What can a parent do if they feel the IEP or 504 Plan isn’t being implemented as outlined?
• How does an educational consultant like Joanna, help advocate for someone’s child?

More about Joanna:

Joanna Salzman is the CEO of JMS Education Consulting. Joanna has a wealth of knowledge and expertise with 30 years of experience in the field of special education.

Joanna received her Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from James Madison University, her Master’s Degree in Special Education from American University, Education Specialist Degree from George Washington University, and an Administration Certificate from Towson University. She completed her special education teacher training at the Lab School of Washington in Washington, D.C.

Joanna’s experience includes observing students from 3 to 21 years of age with differing abilities and disabilities. She has extensive knowledge and expertise in problem-solving and identifying supports that students need to be successful. These skills were perfected due to her time teaching in Prince George’s County Public Schools, as well as in the Montgomery County Public School System as a special education teacher, special education instructional specialist, and special education supervisor.

Most recently, Joanna was a guest speaker at George Mason University for an Advanced Practicum class in Clinical Psychology with Third-year doctoral students. The objectives of the course are related primarily to the application of psychological skills, supervision and interpersonal skills, professionalism and ethical standards, and demonstration of understanding how to function on a team with other professionals.

Links and Resources:

• Joanna’s practice: https://www.jmseduconsulting.com/about
• Joanna’s phone number: (240) 994-0330

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