Palmetto Education Connection

Parents, I see you. I know how frustrating it is when your child gets in trouble at school and nobody seems to understand why - and I'm hearing a lot on this right now. It’s not because they’re “bad” or “lazy.” Their brain just works differently—and sometimes that shows up in ways others don’t get.

Understanding ADHD and finding the right strategies can make a world of difference—for your child, and for your peace of mind.

New blog post for parents about self care! https://palmettoeduconnect.com/blog/f/practical-self-care-for-busy-parents-of-children-with-special

Practical Self-Care for Busy Parents of Children with Special Parents of children with special needs spend a lot of their time taking care of everyone else. Between school meetings, therapies, medical appointments, paperwork, and the everyday responsibilities of parenting, it’s eas...

IEP Progress Reports Should Be Coming Soon!!!

If your child has an IEP, you should receive progress reports on their IEP goals at the same time as report cards.

These reports are important because they tell you whether your child is actually making progress toward their IEP goals — not just how they’re doing in their classes.

Progress reports help families understand:
• If their child is on track to meet their goals
• Whether supports and services are working
• If the IEP may need adjustments

If report cards come home and you don’t receive a progress report, reach out to your child’s case manager and ask when you'll be receiving one. These are legally required at a minimum of every time report cards are issued, but can be provided more frequently.

If the progress report is confusing or you’re not sure what it means for your child’s program, it can be helpful to have someone review the IEP and data with you to make sure everything is on track!

Flowertown Players is doing an new inclusive showing of Alice in Wonderland! https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1ByuVM42L4/?mibextid=wwXIfr

🐰✨ Inclusive Night at Alice in Wonderland Jr. ✨🎩

Curiouser and curiouser… and more welcoming than ever!

The Flowertown Players is delighted to invite you to a special Inclusive Night performance of Alice in Wonderland Jr. on March 19 at 7:00 PM.

This FREE performance is open to individuals with mental, physical, or developmental disabilities, along with their families and caregivers. 💙

Step through the looking glass into a world of imagination, adventure, and heart in a welcoming environment designed so everyone can enjoy the magic of live theatre.

📍 Location: 133 S. Main St., Summerville, SC
📧 To reserve your seats: [email protected] (Please include any accommodation requests when reserving.)

We can’t wait to tumble down the rabbit hole with you! ♣️🌹

I’ve launched new services that families can now book directly through my website.

Not every situation requires long-term advocacy support. Sometimes you just need:
• A professional review of your child’s records with specific recommendations
• A one-hour consultation to talk through a particular concern
• A strategic check-in to determine whether your child’s current program is appropriate

These options are designed for families who want clarity, direction, and expert insight — without committing to ongoing services.

If you’ve been wondering, “Is this IEP actually appropriate?” or “What should I be asking for?” — this is a good place to start.

You can view the services and book directly here:
https://palmettoeduconnect.com/schedule-services/ola/services/one-hour-strategy-consultation

The most powerful question you can ask at an IEP meeting: “How will we measure whether this is working?”

That one question shifts everything. It moves the conversation from opinions to data, vague supports to defined services and hope to accountability.

If there’s no clear way to measure progress, there’s no clear way to protect it.

If you’re not sure what should be measured or how to spot red flags, that’s exactly what I help families navigate every day.

Check this out!
https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1DJZ61pZ8r/?mibextid=wwXIfr

You may have noticed some of these communication boards placed at some of our playgrounds, most recently at Isle Of Palms County Park with funding from the Charleston County Parks Foundation.

These boards are a composition of images and support inclusive play on our playgrounds allowing children with limited verbal communication to connect with other kids or their caregivers in real time.

They also foster awareness that children with disabilities can actively participate in play when given the right tools, and promote empathy and acceptance by teaching children about different communication needs and abilities. It’s truly a learning tool for all kids as children can improve their reading skills, build picture-object associations, and learn new words with guidance from adults.

IEP teams will change over the years.
Teachers move. Administrators shift. Service providers rotate.

You are the one constant! The historian of your child’s strengths, keeper of what has worked — and what hasn’t, and the only permanent member of that team.

Never underestimate the power of showing up informed, prepared, and confident. The table may change… but your seat is permanent.

If you’re a parent walking into an IEP meeting, this is your reminder: your voice is powerful!

This video will walk you through crucial steps you should be taking as a parent!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=spG7K9G_MyI

https://www.foxcarolina.com/video/2026/02/19/more-parents-voice-concerns-over-greenville-county-special-education-review/?fbclid=IwY2xjawQEYMBleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZBAyMjIwMzkxNzg4MjAwODkyAAEeDf5ST9yVoJDymxmT0AFPxRYkPv2ory2zrDHKwaWuj5pwvlEuE_yGtYna_5E_aem_49XUI3PbHkeoM9cOHPFj6g
News story on Greenville County Schools.

More parents voice concerns over Greenville County special education review FOX Carolina's Alexa Erbach has the details.