A Summer Conversation That Stayed With Me
The Holland Guide Advocacy
Summer tends to be a slower season for my business, which means I get the chance to spend more time catching up with friends and family. This week, I hopped on a call with my longtime friend, Hannah, and her mom, Shelly.
Left to Right: Shelly, Sarah (me), Meghan, and Hannah
If you've followed my story, you may recognize Hannah. I often say her and Meghan are the reason behind this business and my first introduction to Holland. Hannah, Meghan, and I met in third grade and shared an incredible educational journey together—from elementary school all the way to walking across the graduation stage as seniors in high school.
During our conversation, Shelly said something that has stayed with me ever since: "You know, Sarah, Hannah had such an amazing school experience. There's nothing that I would change about it, but it would have been so nice to have had an advocate in those meetings. Someone who knew what they were talking about and could explain it in a way that made sense to me. Every IEP meeting I attended for Hannah, I just spent the whole time praying the experts knew what was right for her."
Her words stopped me in my tracks.
Hannah's educational experience was a success story. She was included, supported, and surrounded by people who cared deeply about her. Yet even in a positive experience, Shelly often left meetings feeling unsure, overwhelmed, and dependent on others to make decisions for her daughter.
That conversation reminded me why I left the classroom and entered the world of advocacy.
I believe every parent deserves the knowledge and confidence to actively participate in decisions about their child's education. Parents should not have to sit through meetings hoping everyone else knows what's best.
So, as summer comes to an end and a new school year begins, IEP meetings are right around the corner for many families. That's why I've decided to gift my IEP Guide & Checklist to my HG community.
My hope is that no parent has to feel the way Shelly described all those years ago—confused, lost in translation, and simply hoping the experts get it right.
Because when parents understand the process, they become powerful members of the team.
My End Of Summer Gift To You!
FREE IEP Meeting Guide + Checklist
Inside, you'll find:
- Questions to ask before, during, and after an IEP meeting
- A meeting preparation checklist
- Guidance for understanding common IEP terminology
- Tips to help you feel confident and prepared at the table
Recently on Instagram
@thehollandguideadvocacy
This week on Instagram, I shared three of my favorite behavior support tools that families can easily use at home. If you missed it, be sure to check it out for simple, practical strategies to support your child while at home this summer.
Follow us on Instagram and comment "TOOLS" to download!
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Visual Task List for Behavior Support
Build independence and support task completion with this color-coded, foldable Visual Task List Template!
Speak IEP: Term Glossary
Decode the language of special education with this printable guide to IEP terms and acronyms, organized by topic so you can quickly find what you need during your next IEP meeting.
Navigating special education can feel overwhelming, but you don't have to do it alone.
Visit www.thehollandguideadvocacy.com to schedule a free consultation.
Wishing you a wonderful start to the school year!
- Sarah
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