Ep. 6 IEP Advocacy for Behavior Analysts with Dr. Annie McGlaughlin

IEP Advocacy for Behavior Analysts with Dr. Annie McLaughlin

Guest Introduction: Annie McLaughlin is a Board Certified Behavior Analyst (BCBA) and an Individualized Education Program (IEP) advocate. She supports other BCBAs in transitioning into the realm of IEP advocacy.

In this episode, we cover:

• Career Journey: Annie's path from special education teacher to BCBA and IEP advocate, emphasizing the diverse experiences that shaped her expertise.
• Effective Support: Importance of BCBAs understanding the educational system to better support parents in IEP meetings.
• Training Program: Development of the "Pivot into IEP Advocacy" program to educate BCBAs and related service providers on special education advocacy.
• Foundational Skills: Emphasis on collaboration, understanding special education literature, and continuous professional development as crucial skills for BCBAs.
• Practical Advice: Tips for BCBAs attending IEP meetings, such as understanding parents' needs, using educational language, and offering practical solutions.

Resources Mentioned:

• Burke and Goldman (2016) study on the five stages of IEP advocacy
• Pivot into IEP Advocacy program: IEPadvocacytraining.com

Contact Information:

• Instagram: IEP Advocate Annie
• Website: IEPadvocacytraining.com

Practical Tips for BCBAs:

• Understand parents' needs and support them by amplifying their voice during IEP meetings.
• Use educational language to communicate effectively in school settings.
• Learn regional and federal special education acronyms and terminologies.
• Follow your curiosity and passion to explore growth opportunities within and outside your organization.