Brandstein Family Services

08/27/2026

Did you know that your child can qualify for medical assistance in PA by using their IEP to access the PH-95 loophole where parent income is not considered

08/25/2026

Term Take Down Tuesday!
Placement
Where a student is being provided their education. This is not only the physical building but what levels of supports are provided and what type of classroom/supports are provided and must be clearly defined in the IEP

08/20/2026

Reach out for help making sure the goals are achievable for your child. Sometimes setting the goal at the right level is the difference between making progress versus stalling out

08/18/2026

Term Take Down Tuesday
PLOP-Present Levels of Performance
A section of the IEP that reports current baseline levels of all relevant areas of progress and functioning. All goals in the IEP should have data regarding current level of performance in the PLOP

08/12/2026

As you get ready for the new school year, consider filling in this Get To Know Me sheet for your child's teacher so they have an easy snapshot about your child on the first day!

08/11/2026

Term Take Down Tuesday!
LEA- Local Education Agency
The education entity responsible for educating your child. This could be your school district, intermediate unit or even public school board. A representative from the LEA must attend all IEP meetings

08/08/2026

✨ **MEET THE SPEAKER** ✨

We're excited to welcome **Marlena Brandstein** as one of our featured speakers at the **Empowered Together Conference** hosted by The Goofy Gators!

Presentation:
Navigating the IEP Meeting

For many families, IEP meetings can feel overwhelming. Between unfamiliar terminology, multiple professionals, and important decisions, it's easy to leave wondering if you asked everything you wanted to ask.

During this informative session, Marlena will walk attendees through the structure of an IEP meeting, explain what each section should include, and share practical tips to help parents feel more prepared, informed, and confident throughout the process.

You'll leave with a better understanding of:
✔️ What to expect during an IEP meeting
✔️ What each section of the IEP means
✔️ Key details to pay attention to
✔️ Helpful strategies to make meetings more productive and successful

There will also be time for questions, making this an excellent opportunity to gain insight into one of the most important parts of your child's educational journey.

💜 We're thrilled to have Marlena sharing her expertise and helping families feel empowered to advocate for their children.

Empowered Together Conference**
Saturday, November 7, 2026**
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM**
Bucks County Community College – Bristol Campus**

🎟️ Reserve your spot today:
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/empowered-together-conference-hosted-by-the-goofy-gators-tickets-1985874192167?aff=oddtdtcreator

We can't wait to see you there!

08/06/2026

Message me for a copy of this IEP binder organizer as a printable PDF! Keeping all your information organized and easy to access during meetings can make things a LOT easier!

What sections would you add?

08/04/2026

Term Take Down Tuesday!
CBI- Community Based Instruction
When students are brought into the community to practice skills and ensure generalization outside of the classroom (this is different from field trips)

07/24/2026