Summary

Tim McIvor is a school psychologist who has been serving students for the last ten years. He spent the first five years of his career in Las Vegas, NV, and currently practices in Florida. He is the Founder and Managing Member of SchoolPsych.com. He bought the domain in 2014 and began offering free school psychology resources. In 2017, it became a business.

In this conversation, Jen and Tim delve into the world of school psychology, discussing the vital role school psychologists play in supporting students, the challenges they face, and the importance of collaboration with teachers and parents. They explore common behavioral and emotional issues children encounter, the significance of early intervention, and the necessity of creating structured environments at home. The discussion also highlights the importance of mindfulness and coping strategies for students, as well as clarifying the differences between educational and medical diagnoses.

Takeaways

School psychologists and counselors have distinct roles in education.

Interventions require time and consistency to be effective.

Collaboration among school staff is crucial for student success.

Mindfulness techniques can help students manage stress and anxiety.

Early intervention is key to addressing learning difficulties.

Behavioral interventions should focus on positive reinforcement.

Parents should maintain open communication with teachers.

Understanding percentiles can help parents gauge their child's performance.

Creating a structured home environment supports emotional health.

School psychologists are here to help and support families.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to School Psychology and Spontaneity

02:22 Understanding the Role of School Psychologists

05:48 Challenges in Early Intervention and Support

08:02 Common Challenges Children Face in School

10:36 Recognizing Learning Difficulties and Behavioral Issues

13:25 Collaboration Between School Psychologists, Teachers, and Parents

16:58 Behavior Interventions and Their Effectiveness

20:54 Advice for Parents on Supporting Children

24:49 The Importance of Patience in Interventions

28:18 Creating a Structured Environment at Home

31:20 Understanding Special Education Services

35:11 Navigating Medical Diagnoses and Educational Support

37:22 Coping Mechanisms for Stress and Anxiety

43:18 Final Thoughts and Encouragement for Parents and Psychologists

45:01 Engagement and Community Building

Summary

This week, Jen hosts Chris and Ashley Ponce, both experienced educators (School Psychologist and Board Certified Behavior Analyst, respectively). They discuss their unique backgrounds, the challenges of parenting as educators, and the importance of behavioral analysis in schools. They explore the impact of COVID-19 on child development, the need for more BCBAs in educational settings, and the significance of social skills and emotional support for children. The discussion highlights the real-world experiences that shape their approaches to education and parenting, as well as the collaborative efforts needed to support students effectively.

Keywords

education, parenting, school psychology, behavior analysis, child development, trauma, COVID-19, social skills, BCBAs, emotional support

Takeaways

The importance of community among school psychologists.

Parenting approaches are evolving with new generations.

Real-world experience is crucial for educators.

Behavioral analysis can significantly improve student outcomes.

COVID-19 has lasting effects on child development.

Social skills are essential for children's success.

Trauma-informed practices are necessary in schools.

Collaboration between educators and behavior analysts is vital.

Support systems are crucial for completing advanced degrees.

The role of BCBAs in schools is often underappreciated.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to the Ponce Family

02:45 Navigating Doctoral Studies and Parenting

05:50 The Transition from Teaching to Behavior Analysis

08:27 The Impact of Experience in Education

11:25 Behavior Management in Schools

13:47 The Role of BCBAs in Education

16:49 Parenting Challenges and School Experiences

28:53 Navigating the Pandemic's Impact on Education

33:59 Understanding Trauma in School Settings

40:03 The Role of BCBAs and School Psychologists

45:18 Innovations in Assessment and Technology

51:13 Building Relationships in Education

58:04 Outro

To learn more about The School Collective, Christopher's educational consulting business: Schoolcollective.net

To stream The School Collective podcast: https://open.spotify.com/show/2MM9SXpneENLodxehBGB9C?si=ciBImeN9TDeOYcv93rflfw

Summary

Juliana Ramirez, an independent bilingual school psychologist and children's author, meets Jen for the first time in the studio. They discuss Juliana's journey in school psychology, the importance of cultural competency, and the challenges faced by immigrant families in the education system. Juliana shares her experiences in building her own business (Pera Services), the distinction between independent practice and private practice, and the role of social media in connecting with other professionals. The conversation also highlights Juliana's new children's book, Juanita La Princesita, which addresses anxiety and representation in literature for bilingual children.

Keywords

bilingual school psychology, independent practice, cultural competency, immigration trauma, children's literature, social media, professional growth, school psychologist, mental health, education

Takeaways

Juliana has been a school psychologist for 14 years.

She started her bilingual school psychology business in 2018.

Cultural competency is crucial in supporting immigrant families.

Many school districts are now facing the challenge of serving EL students.

Independent practice allows for more flexibility compared to private practice.

Social media has opened up new avenues for professional connection and growth.

Juliana's book addresses anxiety in children and promotes social-emotional learning.

Representation in literature is vital for children from diverse backgrounds.

The journey to independence can be gradual and should be approached with courage.

Resources are available for school psychologists looking to start their own business.

Learn More about Juliana: https://www.peraservicesinc.com/

Preorder Juanita la Princesita:

https://www.amazon.com/Juanita-Princesita-Spanish-Juliana-Ramirez/dp/B0DHJG1M3B

Summary

In this conversation, Jen hosts Kathy Lutz and Jordan Dahlstrand to discuss the critical role of parent advocacy in special education. They explore personal journeys into advocacy, the complexities of navigating the IEP process, and the importance of having support systems in place for parents of children with disabilities. The discussion highlights the challenges faced in the educational system, the need for external support services, and the empowerment of parents to advocate for their children's needs. The conversation concludes with valuable resources for parents seeking advocacy and support.

Links to Resources Mentioned by our Guests

• Erie County Special Education Parent Services https://www.iu5.org/parent-student-services/special-education-parent-services
• Education Law Services https://www.elc-pa.org/
• PA Special Education Resources for Families https://www.pattan.net/Parent-Information/Resources-for-Transitions
• Keep Our Library Public! https://keepourlibrarypublic.com/

Takeaways

Advocacy is essential for parents navigating complex legal issues in special education.

Personal experiences shape the journey into advocacy.

The IEP process can be overwhelming without support.

Parents often need an advocate to help them feel heard.

External support services can significantly aid children with disabilities.

Advocates help bridge the gap between parents and schools.

It's important to have a plan before IEP meetings.

Parents should feel empowered to ask for what their child needs.

Community resources are available for parents seeking help.

Collaboration among parents can lead to better outcomes for children.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Advocacy and Personal Stories

04:48 Kathy's Journey in Parent Advocacy

09:37 Jordan's Experience as a New Advocate

14:24 The Importance of Advocacy in Education

19:05 Navigating the IEP Process

23:50 Challenges in Special Education Services

28:15 The Role of External Support Services

33:09 Building Effective Communication in Meetings

37:39 Resources for Parents Seeking Advocacy

42:29 Final Thoughts and Community Support

59:51 Engagement and Community Building

Summary

In this episode of Ask Jen Psych, Jennifer Roden welcomes back Ryan Hogan , a school psychologist from Texas known on instagram as School Psych Dad @schoolpsychdad and World's Okayest School Psychologist @worldsokayestschoolpsych. They discuss Ryan's journey in the field of school psychology, the challenges and progress of his son with autism, and the importance of advocacy in special education. The conversation covers practical tips for parents navigating school transitions and placement changes, the significance of extended school year services, and the emotional landscape of parenting a child with special needs. They also touch on the impact of politics on special education and the importance of community resources and support groups for parents.

Takeaways

Jennifer Roden is back with her podcast, Ask Jen Psych.

Ryan Hogan is now officially recognized as a school psychologist in Texas.

Behavior is a form of communication, especially for children with autism.

Parents should document their child's behavior to advocate for services.

It's important to be vocal to legislators about special education needs.

Parents need to be persistent in seeking services for their children.

Building relationships with educators is crucial for a child's success.

Parent support groups can provide valuable resources and connections.

It's okay for parents to feel overwhelmed and seek help.

Navigating the education system requires understanding and advocacy.

Chapters

00:00 Introduction and Guest Reintroduction

01:08 Updates on Ryan's Career and Personal Life

03:35 Navigating Autism: Ryan's Son's Journey

09:44 The Importance of Extended School Year Services

11:58 Transitioning Between School Levels

18:33 Building Relationships with Educators

22:29 Documenting Progress for Services

27:59 Advocacy for Special Education Funding

31:32 Challenges in Special Education Services

36:23 Finding Support Groups and Resources

39:52 Navigating Outside Services and Therapies

44:41 Final Thoughts on Parenting and Support

54:49 Introduction to Ask Jen Psych

55:16 Engagement and Community Building

55:28 lifestyle-outro-low.wav

Today, NWPA native Marin Cogan joins us via zoom from Switzerland to talk about surviving in the aftermath of a school shooting. In January 2022, Marin published the article for Vox, "The School Shooting Generation Grows Up". In the article, Marin highlights interviews with various school shooting survivors across the country and their experiences as they try to heal. https://www.vox.com/the-highlight/22878920/school-shootings-survivors-columbine-mental-health

According to her bio, Marin Cogan is a senior correspondent at Vox. She writes features on a wide range of subjects, including traffic safety, gun violence, and the legal system. Prior to Vox, she worked as a writer for New York magazine, ESPN the Magazine, GQ, National Journal, Politico, and the New Republic. She has also contributed to the Washington Post, the New York Times, and several other publications. She is the winner of a National Association of Black Journalists Salute to Excellence Award and is the co-director of the Princeton Summer Journalism Program for aspiring student journalists from low-income backgrounds.

Thank you for listening!

Today I had the pleasure of chatting with the lovely and talented school psychologist, Amber Moore! She is a new school psych friend of mine from Instagram, and I have been admiring her beautiful, functional office decor creations for some time. She has a shop on Etsy, and I will share the link, below.

Recently, Amber and I have connected regarding the many stressors that folks experience during the holidays. The holidays aren't always happy, and we honor doing what is needed to feel safe and respected. Our Instagram followers provided some ideas for us to discuss. Today, we talk about handling the holidays in the shadow grief and loss, avoiding shame regarding lifestyle or financial status, and creating new traditions. Key takeaway: Boundaries are magical, as are scripts to prepare what to say when you feel cornered.

To learn more about Amber: @signsndesignsbyAmber

To browse her Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/shop/SignsNDesignsbyAmber?ref=l2-about-shopname