Ted Scott-Smith Special Education Consulting & Advocacy

Most parents are told to come to IEP meetings with a list of questions.

But what usually happens? The meeting moves fast. The jargon piles up. You end up asking questions that don't get to the heart of what your child really needs.

Here's where things stall: without clear focus, you leave unsure if the team truly understands your child's challenges — or if the plan will actually help.

Before your next meeting, think about what matters most to your child's day-to-day experience. Ask questions like:

- How will this goal look in the classroom?
- What supports are really available, and how often?
- Who tracks progress and how will I know if things change?

These questions aren't about education policy—they're about what your child will face every day.

Remember, the team has their paperwork. You need to bring your perspective.

If you feel stuck, it's okay to ask for help preparing. Being ready means asking the questions that cut through the noise and focus on what truly matters.

A one-size-fits-all approach doesn't work in special education.

Every child's needs, strengths, and challenges are unique — and so should be the advocacy supporting them.

Personalized advocacy means digging into the details of your child's situation, listening closely, and crafting strategies that actually fit your family and school.

I've seen firsthand how this approach shifts conversations from frustration to collaboration and opens doors to real progress.

When you have someone who understands both the classroom and the parent perspective, advocacy stops being a battle and becomes a partnership.

If you're feeling overwhelmed or stuck, personalized support can be the difference that moves your child's education forward with confidence.

Struggling to keep communication open between your family and your child's school? Here are five practical ways to bridge the gap:

1. Schedule regular check-ins—not just during IEP meetings.
2. Use clear, simple language to avoid misunderstandings.
3. Share updates from home and invite school feedback.
4. Set shared goals that everyone can work toward.
5. Build relationships with key staff beyond just teachers.

Strong communication creates trust and helps your child thrive. What's one change you can start today to improve your school-family connection?

🎯 New Blog Post: Supporting Non-Verbal or Minimally Verbal Students
Some kids don’t speak much—or at all—but that doesn’t mean they have nothing to say.

This post covers real-world tools, tech, and strategies I’ve used over 20 years to help non-verbal and minimally verbal students communicate, connect, and grow—at school and at home.

✅ Communication strategies that actually work
✅ Talkers, switches, and assistive tech
✅ How to build independence and social connection

📖 Read the full post here: https://www.tedscottsmithspecialed.com/post/supporting-non-verbal-or-minimally-verbal-students

Supporting Non-Verbal or Minimally Verbal Students Real-world strategies and tools to help non-verbal students communicate, build independence, and connect socially at school and home.

11 years ago at the Special Olympics. I was there as a teacher and my son was there cheering on his classmates with disabilities. This work has always been both personal and professional for me.

I work with a few families at a time. IEP prep, meetings, school communication, planning. It’s all based on what your child actually needs. Fast response. Straight answers.

Welcome. I’m Ted Scott-Smith, a veteran special ed teacher and consultant based in San Francisco. I help families get real results, not just paperwork, when it comes to IEPs, services, and school support.

If you’re dealing with delays, getting brushed off, or just want someone who understands how the system actually works, you’re in the right place.

You can learn more or reach out at

Special Education Consulting I Ted Scott-Smith I IEP Coaching & Advocacy