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The Intentional IEP Podcast

The Intentional IEP Podcast

By: Stephanie DeLussey
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Are you drowning in IEP paperwork and feeling overwhelmed by the special education process? The Intentional IEP Podcast is your go-to resource for teachers looking to navigate the complexities of Individualized Education Programs, write effective IEPs, and tackle all things related to special education. Join Stephanie, a dual-certified special education teacher, IEP coach, and author, as she transforms the overwhelming IEP process into manageable, actionable steps. Drawing from years of classroom experience, Stephanie understands the challenges you face—from writing legally compliant IEP goals to managing special education documentation while still finding time to actually teach. Every Monday, you can expect conversations like: Evidence-based IEP writing strategies that save you time Special education compliance guidelines made simple Effective IEP goal development techniques Data collection methods that work in real classrooms Practical special needs accommodations and modifications IEP best practices to invoke a more collaborative IEP process Breaking down IEP implementation The ins and outs of IEP meetings Whether you're a special education teacher, general education teacher collaborating on inclusive education, school psychologist, or educational administrator, The Intentional IEP Podcast will provide you with the support to help students with learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, and other exceptional needs. Some weeks, Stephanie shares her expertise on best practices for IEP meetings, parent communication, and special education advocacy. Other weeks, expert guests join the conversation to provide diverse perspectives on disability services and educational interventions. Stop spending your evenings writing IEPs and start implementing a more intentional approach to special education. Together, we'll focus less on paperwork and more on what really matters—creating inclusive classrooms where all students can thrive. Because every student deserves an education plan that's as unique as they are. Let’s make IEPs more effective, more efficient, and way less stressful—together. Welcome to The Intentional IEP Podcast!Copyright 2026 Stephanie DeLussey
Episodes
  • E54. Fading Prompts + the Prompt Hierarchy: What Every Special Ed Teacher Needs to Know

    E54. Fading Prompts + the Prompt Hierarchy: What Every Special Ed Teacher Needs to Know
    May 11 2026

    If a student can only complete a task when an adult steps in, are we teaching the skill… or teaching dependence? In this episode, Stephanie is unpacking the prompt hierarchy, prompt dependency, and what it actually looks like to fade support in a way that builds real student independence.

    With practical examples and easy-to-apply strategies, this episode will have you rethinking the way prompting shows up in your classroom.

    In this episode, Stephanie:

    • Breaks down the different levels of the prompt hierarchy and what they look like in real classrooms

    • Shares simple ways to start fading prompts without overwhelming students

    • Explains how teams can work together to reduce prompt dependency and build student independence over time

    If you’ve ever had a student who relies heavily on adult support, this episode will give you practical ways to step back intentionally and create more opportunities for independence throughout the school day.

    Download the Free Prompt Hierarchy Poster here

    Not a member? Join Today — you can get 50% off your first month of membership https://products.theintentionaliep.com/tii-membership-50off1stmonth-podcast/

    For more information, check out more of Stephanie's resources:

    https://www.theintentionaliep.com/the-intentional-iep-book/

    https://www.theintentionaliep.com/

    https://www.facebook.com/theintentionaliep

    https://www.instagram.com/theintentionaliep
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    11 mins
  • E53. From Control to Connection: A Trauma-Informed Roadmap for Transforming Student Behavior

    E53. From Control to Connection: A Trauma-Informed Roadmap for Transforming Student Behavior
    May 5 2026

    If student behavior has been leaving you feeling stuck, this episode is one to lean into. This conversation challenges the way we’ve been taught to think about discipline and offers a shift that actually supports long-term change, not just quick fixes.

    In this episode, Stephanie is joined by Nathan Maynard to break down what it really means to be trauma-informed and how moving from control to connection can completely change how we respond to behavior.

    • Why fear-based discipline often escalates behavior and what to do instead
    • How to tell the difference between a student who won’t comply and one who can’t regulate
    • What it looks like to build proactive systems and move from power struggles to collaborative problem-solving

    If you’ve been looking for a more effective, realistic way to support behavior, this episode will give you a strong place to start.
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    33 mins
  • E52. What If a Student Needs a Different LRE?

    E52. What If a Student Needs a Different LRE?
    Apr 27 2026

    LRE conversations can feel heavy, especially when you’re trying to figure out if a student’s current placement is actually working. This episode walks through how to approach those decisions with clarity and confidence so they’re based on what the student truly needs.

    In this episode, Stephanie breaks down what Least Restrictive Environment really means and how to know when a change might be necessary. She walks through the LRE continuum, the data you actually need, and how to have these conversations with your team in a way that feels proactive, not reactive.

    • The key signs a student may need a different LRE, from lack of progress to behavioral data and regulation
    • What data to gather before making any placement decisions so you’re not relying on opinion
    • How to approach LRE conversations with families and teams using clarity, support, and flexibility

    Changing a student’s placement isn’t a step backward. It’s a response to what they need right now and a chance to create a setting where they can actually grow.

    Not a member? Join Today — you can get 50% off your first month of membership https://products.theintentionaliep.com/tii-membership-50off1stmonth-podcast/

    For more information, check out more of Stephanie's resources:

    https://www.theintentionaliep.com/the-intentional-iep-book/

    https://www.theintentionaliep.com/

    https://www.facebook.com/theintentionaliep

    https://www.instagram.com/theintentionaliep
    Show more Show less
    12 mins
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