Assessing Pre-Schoolers and Negotiating Public School Entry (1 CE)

Description:

In this episode of the Multicultural Psychologist Podcast, host Linda Fleming McGee speaks with Monica Trust, school psychologist and founder of the Prepared Parent Advocate. The conversation explores the assessment of very young children, particularly those under five, and the complexities families face when navigating early developmental evaluations, autism assessments, and the special education system.

Monica shares insights from both her professional experience and her personal journey as a parent of a child with autism. The discussion highlights the emotional experiences parents face during the diagnostic process, the importance of early intervention, and the challenges families encounter when navigating IEPs, school systems, and access to services. The episode also examines how culture, race, gender expectations, and socioeconomic factors influence the identification and treatment of developmental differences.

Listeners will gain practical guidance on how parents can advocate effectively for their children, build collaborative relationships with school teams, and access support systems to ensure children receive the services they need to thrive.

Keywords: early childhood assessment, autism evaluation, special education, IEP process, parent advocacy, school psychology, developmental delays, early intervention, autism spectrum disorder, multicultural psychology, culturally responsive assessment, family advocacy, developmental screening, school-based services, special education navigation

Guest: Monica Trust

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe the process and considerations involved in assessing developmental concerns in children under five years old.
2. Identify common challenges parents face when navigating early childhood evaluations, IEP processes, and school-based services.
3. Explain the role of parent advocates in supporting families through special education systems and school meetings.
4. Recognize how cultural factors, socioeconomic status, race, and gender expectations may influence developmental referrals and diagnoses.
5. Apply strategies to support parents in advocating for appropriate services and interventions for young children with developmental needs.