Episode 5: Empowering Bilingual Parents with their IEP

Guest: Sandy Santeiro, Bilingual IEP Coach

What unique challenges do bilingual parents face when navigating the IEP process? How can families advocate for their children with confidence, even when language and cultural barriers exist?

In this episode, I sit down with bilingual IEP coach Sandy Santeiro, who shares her powerful journey as a parent and advocate. From being told her son “wasn’t messed up enough” to qualify for services, to building a platform that helps parents navigate special education, Sandy brings both personal experience and professional expertise to the conversation.

Sandy opens up about:

✅ Why IEPs go beyond academics and prepare children for adulthood

✅ The critical role of interpreters and documentation for bilingual families

✅ Common misconceptions schools have when working with migrant and bilingual parents

✅ Practical strategies for parents to prepare for and succeed in IEP meetings

✅ How advocacy can shift the balance of power and bring real change for families

If you’re a parent, educator, or advocate looking to better understand IEPs through a bilingual lens, this episode will give you clarity, encouragement, and tools you can put into action right away.

🎧 Listen to Episode 5 now also on Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or watch on YouTube.

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@FlorDeAmelia

🔗 Connect with Sandy and explore her resources:

Instagram: @sandysanteiro.iep

Website: https://sandysanteiro.com/

Let's Connect!

Turn IEP stress into confidence. I share useful resources every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday across all my social media platforms.

Podcast Website: http://www.startingwithiep.com/

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