The 3 AM Wake-Up Call That Sparked an Idea
Say Goodbye to 3 AM Wake-Up Calls
Managing IEPs for multiple students is overwhelming. Between deadlines, meetings, and documentation, case managers carry an enormous mental load—and students can lose timely support when things slip through the cracks.
IEP Case Manager Assistant is a digital tool designed to lighten that load. It tracks IEP meeting prep timelines and sends reminders for every critical task leading up to a meeting—so you can focus on your students instead of spreadsheets, sticky notes, and late-night mental checklists.
The Secondary Literacy Gap: Why Our Struggling Readers Need More Than Accommodations
When a third-grader struggles with reading, everyone mobilizes. But when a ninth-grader can’t decode multisyllabic words or comprehend their biology textbook, the question too often shifts from “How do we teach this?” to “How do we work around this?”
Too many secondary students are offered accommodations instead of instruction—and families are left searching for help that’s hard to find. After more than a decade in special education, I’ve seen firsthand that adolescent literacy intervention works. Older students can and do make real progress when they finally receive the right kind of support.
In this post, I explore why struggling teen readers are falling through the cracks, what schools and families can do differently, and why it’s never too late to build the skills that open doors for life beyond high school.
When the IEP Team Works Together, Your Child Wins
Feeling like an outsider at your child’s IEP meeting? You’re not alone. Too often, parents leave these meetings feeling divided from the school team, with an invisible line separating “us” from “them.” But here’s the truth: when the IEP team works together, your child wins. Collaboration might not always be easy, but it’s always worth it—because a united team creates stronger plans, clearer communication, and better outcomes for your child’s growth and success. Discover how you can step confidently into your role as an equal team member and help build the supportive, collaborative environment your child deserves.
You Are the Heart and Backbone of the IEP Team: Why Parents Matter Most
Parents aren’t just participants in the IEP process—they are the heart of the team. This post honors the lifelong role you play in your child’s education, from early intervention to transition planning. Whether you're navigating challenging behavior or preparing for adulthood, your voice, insight, and unwavering presence matter more than ever.
Is This Good IEP Advice? How to Know Who (and What) to Trust
With so much IEP advice floating around—especially online—it’s hard to know what’s actually helpful and what might lead you in the wrong direction. In this post, special education advocate Abbey Butcher shares four key steps to help parents evaluate whether the IEP advice they’re receiving is accurate, relevant, and right for their child. Learn how to spot red flags, ask the right questions, and advocate with confidence—no matter where you are in the process.
The Supports That Changed Everything for Our Family (And Might for Yours, Too)
There’s something incredibly isolating about parenting a child with behavioral challenges—especially when it feels like no one else really gets it. I’ve been the teacher who supports students through tough behaviors, and I’ve been the parent holding it together through school refusal, meltdowns, and endless meetings.
What surprised me most, though, was what actually helped: not just tools or strategies, but supports that honored who my child is—nervous system, brain, and all.
In this post, I’m sharing the three things that made the biggest difference for our family—things that helped me stay regulated, show up fully, and build a support system around my child that actually fit their needs.
If you're in the thick of it, I hope this helps you feel less alone—and more equipped for the road ahead.
Start Strong: How to Be Proactive About Your Child’s IEP Before School Starts
The start of a new school year can feel overwhelming—especially if your child has an IEP and struggles with behavior, anxiety, or school refusal. In this post, I’m sharing 5 proactive strategies to help you prepare before challenges arise, with a focus on behavior supports and long-term transition planning. Whether your child is entering kindergarten or high school, these tips will help you walk into the year with clarity, confidence, and a plan that actually works.
When Behavior Isn’t Taken Seriously—and You’re Done Waiting
Tired of being told to "wait and see"? Learn how to get your child’s behavior issues addressed by the school—without delays. Discover a proven advocacy framework and register for the P.A.T.H. to IEP Support Launch Event.
When the Bus Stops Coming: The Conversation We Don’t Want to Have—But Must
Wondering when to start post-secondary transition planning for your child with disabilities? Learn why the best time is sooner than you think—and how to begin preparing for life after high school with clarity, confidence, and support.
IEP Advocate, Parent, and Teacher Helping Families Navigate Special Education | Abbey Butcher
As a parent, teacher, and special education advocate, I help families confidently navigate IEPs, behavior challenges, and school support systems—step by step.
What I Wish I Knew About Behavior and IEPs—As Both a Parent and Special Ed Teacher
IEPs and behavior don’t have to feel like a battle. Here’s the shift one educator-parent says every family needs—and how to get early access.
I've Sat at the IEP Table Too: A Parent’s Perspective
I’ve sat at the IEP table as a parent — worried, overwhelmed, and hoping to be heard. In this post, I share what it’s really like and why collaborative teams matter so much.
👣 10 Meaningful Ways to Start Transition Planning in Any IEP—No Matter the Age
Discover 10 engaging ways to bring future-focused transition planning into any IEP—starting in preschool. It's never too early to build purpose and voice.
👣 When should we talk about post secondary transition?
Wondering when to start postsecondary transition planning in an IEP? Learn why it’s never too early—and how to start in preschool, elementary, or middle school.
👣 What Is a Postsecondary Transition Plan in an IEP?
Wondering what a post secondary transition plan is within the IEP? And why it’s so important?
