A Parent’s Guide, a limited series to support educational access, aims to provide both facts and context around issues that many parents (and their children) experience when navigating Individualized Education Programs (IEPs).
Corresponding screen-reader-accessible transcripts for each audio recording of A Parent’s Guide are linked below, and all episodes are in English. Additional resources relevant to each episode of A Parent’s Guide have been provided.
A Parent’s Guide is hosted by David Poeschl, Parent Advisor at Marin Center for Independent Living (Marin CIL). Poeschl’s experience includes chairing thousands of IEP meetings, setting up both school and district programs, and training hundreds of educational and paraprofessional staff.
Founded in 1979, Marin CIL provides peer-led, individualized, one-to-one educational access support, care navigation, and other social services to children and adults living with disabilities in Marin, Solano, Sonoma, and Napa counties. Marin CIL supports parents in understanding and accessing information and does not provide legal advice or recommend any particular course of action.
Are you or a friend a parent in need of support? Call us at (800) 578-2592.
© Marin CIL 2025. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
Positive Behavior Support (PBS)
In this episode, we break down Positive Behavior Support (PBS) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), explaining how schools can address challenging student behaviors through structured, compassionate strategies. Listeners will learn the eight key steps of PBS, why punishment fails, and how identifying and meeting students’ underlying needs can lead to lasting behavior change.
Interested in learning more about Positive Behavior Support? Our September 2024 Express includes an article on PBS.
Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
This episode looks at Universal Design for Learning (UDL), an inclusive teaching approach that embeds accommodations into general education for all students. UDL supports diverse learning styles—visual, auditory, and tactile—so students with and without disabilities can access learning in ways that work best for them. Real classroom examples show how simple strategies can create more equitable and effective learning environments.
For more information on UDL, read our December 2024 Express.
Self-Advocacy
This episode explores how developing self-advocacy skills can help students with disabilities achieve lifelong success. Highlights include the importance of starting early and supporting children as they build confidence and independence.
“Self-Advocacy” Episode Transcript
To explore how parents can model self-advocacy for their children, visit our August 2024 Express.
Parent Involvement & Special Ed Reform
This episode discusses how many parents feel dismissed or misled in IEP meetings—and why that happens. Learn how class and experience shape school interactions. Includes tips to help parents advocate more effectively.
“Parent Involvement & Special Ed Reform” Episode Transcript
Curious about school reform? Read more in our February 2025 issue of Express.
Your Rights: Recess, Discipline, & Removal
This episode covers California’s legal protections around recess and discipline for students, especially those with disabilities. It explains that withholding recess is now illegal and discusses how informal classroom removals may violate students’ rights. Listeners also learn how repeated removals may trigger a manifestation determination, a crucial step in protecting students’ IEP rights.
“Your Rights: Recess, Discipline, & Removal” Episode Transcript
This topic is discussed in our March 2025 Express article, “Parent Services: Know Your Rights”.
Teens & Conflict
This episode features updates in California law that protect recess access for all elementary students, including those with disabilities, making it illegal to use recess denial as punishment. The importance of documentation and parent advocacy is discussed.
“Teens & Conflict Episode” Transcript
To navigate additional resources at matrixparents.org, watch our video, Transition to Adulthood Resource Guide Tour.
Transitions: Empowerment & Agency
This episode dives into how teaching self-determination skills, such as choice-making, problem-solving, and self-advocacy, can empower students to lead more independent, fulfilling lives. The episode discusses the importance of peer support and student involvement in a child’s IEP process.
“Transitions: Empowerment & Agency” Episode Transcript
Learn more about empowerment through our video, Cultivating Independence: Student-Led IEPs.
Organizing for Smart Goals
This episode explains how to write effective IEP goals using the SMART framework: Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. Two sample goals, one behavioral and one academic, demonstrate how clear goals support meaningful instruction.
“Smart Goals” Episode Transcript
For more information, watch our video, Understanding IEP Goals.
Homework That Works
This episode considers how traditional homework can be especially challenging for neurodivergent students and why a clear boundary between home and school is often essential. It offers strategies like replacing homework with structured, preferred activities, limiting assignments to national guidelines, and using positive reinforcement to build study habits over time.
“Homework That Works” Episode Transcript
More information on this topic is included in our video, Positive Behavior Supports (PBS) and Behavioral Intervention Plans (BIPs).
Transitions: Dyslexic Learners
The episode reviews an article that argues diverse cognitive strengths will be prized in the near future.
Understanding Your Child’s Classroom Behavior
This episode investigates how best to work with educational professionals in understanding your child’s behavior. Parents need to establish clear, respectful communication with educational professionals, who are often working with large caseloads, and managing numerous students and multiple goals. Frontloading this collaboration early in the school year helps families stay on top of their child’s needs and avoid last-minute problems in the classroom.
“Understanding Your Child’s Classroom Behavior” Episode Transcript
See the July 2024 issue of the Express and learn more about parent involvement in school reform.
Dyslexia and Universal Design for Learning (UDL)
This episode considers the case of Emily, an imaginary teenager with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and a learning disability. Exploring her strengths and needs, the episode examines how language-heavy school environments can create barriers for some students. Students like Emily may thrive in visual, creative, or technical fields where their cognitive strengths are better aligned.
“Dyslexia and Universal Design Learning” Episode Transcript
Interested in learning more about UDL? Explore The UDL Guidelines on CAST’s website.