IEP/504 Caregiver Support Group

Free! Sign up required.

Understanding the Assessment Process

Evaluations drive what ends up in your child's IEP or 504 plan, so knowing how the process works matters. At our Sept. 24 meeting, we'll be joined by Phillip Alessi (PhD, NCSP, LMHC, LEP) to walk through what gets assessed and why, how to read the results, and what questions to ask when you don't agree with what you're hearing.

Who This Group Is For 

This group is for parents, grandparents, foster parents, and caregivers of children who have: 

• An IEP (Individualized Education Program) 

• A 504 plan 

• Learning differences or developmental needs 

• and/or Health-related diagnoses affecting school 

Whether your child is in elementary school, middle school, or high school—and whether you're brand new to special education or years into the journey—you're welcome here. 

Benefits of Joining 

• Connection with people who get it: Meet other caregivers facing the same challenges — no need to explain what an IEP meeting feels like or why you're exhausted. 

• Practical advocacy strategies: Learn how to communicate effectively with schools, understand your rights, and prepare for meetings with confidence. 

• Resources you can actually use: Get curated tools for organizing documentation, tracking goals, and navigating school systems — not a generic brochure. 

• A space to breathe: Caregiving is hard. This is a judgment-free space to share what's working, what's not, and feel supported along the way. 

What to Expect 

Each session, we'll gather for 90 minutes of guided discussion, skill-building, peer support, and knowledgeable guest speakers. You're not sitting through a lecture. This is a conversation.

You can share as much or as little as you're comfortable with. Some sessions you might need to vent, other sessions you might just want to listen. Both are welcome. Topics are created and will be adjusted to meet the groups needs as we move through the school year.

Register today!

Fall Meeting Dates

Aug 20 • Sept 10 • Sept 24 • Oct 8 • Oct 29 • Nov 5 • Nov 19 • Dec 3 • Dec 17

Your Facilitator 

Karen Bean has spent her career supporting children and families, including 11 years as a foster parent, work as a Family Liaison with MSPCC, and co-facilitating foster parent licensing training. She holds a master's in social work and has provided in-home therapy and behavioral health services to individuals and families. She brings warmth, lived experience, and deep expertise to every group she facilitates.