December 2024: Navigating the Individualized Education Program (IEP): Connecting Families, Local Educational Agencies (LEAs) and Supports Through the Basics

The IEP is not a place, specific forms or specific people - it's a process, NO, it’s a journey! Join us as we guide you through the journey of the IEP process—understanding the stages, from referral to meeting and beyond. In this session, we’ll highlight key stages along this journey, emphasizing the importance of collaboration, student-centered decision-making, and individualized support. We’ll also explore how California’s Statewide System of Support is structured to assist educators, families and students spotlighting California’s Family Empowerment Centers. 

Presenters:

Dr. Jennifer Yales has over twenty years of experience in Special Education from a school psychologist to SELPA Director. She has been a director working within the California Statewide System of Support for the past six years and currently serves as the Executive Consultant for the HQ IEPs project. Yales is a dedicated educator and the parent of a child with autism, bringing both professional expertise and personal experience to her role. 

 Noreen Rodriguez Lippincott has been in the educational field for over 20 years. She worked in group homes, taught in general and special education, was an Improvement Facilitator with the SIL project, and is currently a Program Administrator for the High Quality IEPs project. As an adoptive foster parent and sibling to a neurodiverse brother, she firmly believes in the potential of ALL children to thrive, advocating as their steadfast champion. 

Dr. Hinda Nadif is a dedicated educator with over 22 years of experience in special education. With advanced degrees in Special Education and Transformational Leadership, Nadif’s diverse background, including roles as a teacher, administrator, and specialist, informs a passionate advocacy for inclusive education and equity for diverse families. 

Robin Ryan has been in the field of family support and special education statewide technical assistance for over twenty-five years, with extensive experience supporting the state department of education on initiatives and activities that work toward improving and expanding programs for students with disabilities and support to their families. Ryan currently serves as the Coordinator for the Seeds of Partnership project, working closely with educators, parent centers, state, and community partners.