Navigating the world of special needs education and therapy can feel like a lonely journey, but it does not have to be. In this episode of the Homeschool Your Kids podcast, we sit down with Elianita, a dedicated speech therapist and mother to an autistic adult daughter. We explore how to reimagine education and therapy to better serve the unique needs of every child.

Elianita shares her inspiring transition from a career in mechanical engineering to becoming a leading voice in specialized therapy. She emphasizes a powerful philosophy: our children do not need fixing, they need appreciation and the right resources to succeed. Throughout the conversation, we discuss the importance of parent networking, as many life-changing resources like Integrated Listening Systems and sensory support are often found through community connections rather than traditional medical offices.

We also dive into the practical side of education, specifically looking at the Empowerment Scholarship Account (ESA) in Arizona and how families can use it to access better care and individualized learning. Elianita provides a look into her practice, Beyond Inclusion Therapy, and her plans for the Wonder Bound Enrichment Center and future micro-schooling. From feeding therapy to essential self-care for parents, this episode covers the vital pillars of raising and educating a child with developmental disabilities.

Therapy & Consulting Services | Consultor in Goodyear

Chapters

0:00 Intro and Welcome3:15 From Mechanical Engineering to Speech Therapy7:40 A Mother’s Perspective on Autism Diagnosis12:20 Shifting from Fixing to Supporting Your Child16:50 Finding Innovative Resources Through Parent Networks21:15 How Integrated Listening Systems Help with Sensory Needs26:30 Navigating the ESA and Educational Choices in Arizona31:00 The Importance of Community for Special Needs Moms36:15 Creating Collaborative Plans Between Parents and Therapists41:00 Understanding Multidisciplinary Research and Bias46:25 Beyond Inclusion Therapy and Future Enrichment Centers51:40 Developing Pathways to Work for Young Adults56:10 Specialized Feeding Therapy and the SOS Approach59:45 Essential Self-Care Tips for Busy Parents1:02:05 Video Conclusion

If you enjoyed this conversation, please hit the like button and subscribe for more resources on homeschooling and alternative education. Visit the Beyond Inclusion Therapy website to learn more about Elianita’s services and follow us for updates on the next Homeschool Yo Kids Expo.

#homeschooling #autismawareness #specialeducation #speechtherapy #neurodiversity

Are you looking for ways to foster a lifelong love of reading in your children while navigating the beautiful chaos of homeschooling? In this episode of the Homeschool Your Kids Podcast, Jae sits down with Veronica from Innes Press to discuss the transformative power of literature and the journey of self-publishing. Discover how one mom of six turned her passion for books into a mission to inspire families everywhere.

Veronica shares her personal journey from being a book-loving student to a teacher, tutor, and eventually a homeschooling mother and author. She explains why read-alouds are the heartbeat of her home and how they can bridge the gap between different age groups. Whether you are dealing with toddlers or teenagers, literature provides a unique way to connect, discuss current events, and build lasting memories.

The conversation also dives deep into the realities of the self-publishing world. Veronica discusses the birth of Innes Press and the creation of her debut book, Captain and Me at Sea. She offers valuable advice for aspiring authors on maintaining creative freedom and explains the importance of mentorship in the publishing process.

Beyond the books, this episode tackles the critical issue of the national literacy crisis. Jae and Veronica discuss the vital role parents play as a child's first and most important teacher. They offer practical tips for avoiding curriculum burnout and emphasize the need for self-care to stay energized on the homeschooling journey.

inispress.com

Bio: Veronica Iniguez is a debut author, born in the vibrant heart of Mexico and now embracing the desert magic of Arizona. She is a proud mother of six wonderful children. As an educator, she is passionate about inspiring young minds through learning and discovery. When she’s not homeschooling her little ones, she’s helping other children learn to read and develop a lifelong love of books. This book reflects her passion for storytelling, creativity, and helping children thrive.Business: Inis Press is an independent children’s publisher started in the West Valley by a local award-winning artist and homeschooling mama. Their mission is to inspire a love of reading through the power of stories. With their debut book, they hope to encourage kids to be curious, brave, and clever! Chapters0:00 Welcome to the Homeschool Your Kids Podcast2:10 Meet Veronica and the Story of Innes Press6:30 Balancing Six Children and a Creative Career10:15 Bringing the Book Creation Process into the Homeschool14:40 Finding Community and Homeschool Friendly Spaces18:25 The Importance of Literature Based Learning23:10 Connecting with Older Kids through Graphic Novels27:50 Overcoming the Challenges of Starting Homeschooling32:15 Navigating Curriculum Overload and Finding Your Style36:40 Mentorship and the Journey of Self Publishing41:00 Addressing the National Literacy Crisis45:15 The Role of Parents as the First Teachers47:50 Self Care Tips for Busy Homeschooling Moms48:54 Final Advice and Wrap UpVisit homeschoolyokidsexpo.com to learn more about upcoming events and resources for your family. Make sure to subscribe for more encouraging stories and practical homeschooling advice.#homeschooling #literacy #selfpublishing #parenting #readaloud

Is your child being challenged enough in school, or are their unique gifts being overlooked by the system? In this episode of the Homeschool Yo Kids podcast, Jae sits down with Dr. Chandra Floyd, a professor and director at the Center for Gifted Education at William and Mary, to discuss the urgent need for equity in gifted programs.

Dr. Floyd shares her journey from the classroom to becoming a leading researcher in educational policy. She sheds light on why African-American and minority children are often excluded from gifted labels and how traditional gatekeeping systems can fail high-potential students. From the science of non-verbal screeners to the social-emotional needs of advanced learners, this conversation provides a roadmap for parents who want to see their children thrive.

You will also learn about the specific resources available through William and Mary, including free residential camps and Saturday enrichment programs. Whether you are navigating the public school system or have already made the leap into homeschooling, Dr. Floyd’s insights on betting on yourself and finding your village will inspire you to take charge of your child's educational journey.

Chapters

0:00 Introduction to Dr. Chandra Floyd

3:15 The Journey to Gifted Education Research

7:30 Addressing Disparities in Student Identification

11:45 The Gatekeeping System in Schools

15:20 Benefits of Universal and Non-Verbal Screeners

19:50 Identifying Giftedness in High School Students

24:10 Social and Emotional Needs of Gifted Learners

28:30 Understanding Gifted Services and State Mandates

33:15 The Myth of Acceleration and Grade Skipping

37:40 Why Black Families are Choosing Homeschooling

42:00 Programs and Grants at William and Mary

46:15 Enrichment Opportunities for Students and Teachers

49:00 Self-Care and the Power of Rest

51:15 Final Advice for Parents and Educators

Make sure to subscribe for more episodes focused on empowering your family and supporting your child's education. Don't forget to visit the Homeschool Yo Kids website for more resources and community connections.

#giftededucation #homeschooling #educationalequity #williamandmary #blackeducators

Are you worried that your child is struggling to get their thoughts from their head onto paper?

In this episode of the Homeschool Your Kids podcast, we sit down with Holly Britain, the creator of Squiggle Squad, to discuss why handwriting is more than just neatness. We explore how handwriting is a vital transcription skill that serves as a foundation for cognitive development and academic success.Holly explains how the ability to write or type automatically allows the brain to focus on complex thoughts rather than the mechanics of moving a pencil.

We dive deep into Holly's personal journey from being an accidental homeschool mom of four in the 1990s to becoming a credentialed teacher who saw a massive gap in how children learn to write. She shares her observations from the classroom about why modern students are struggling with basic motor skills and how the rise of screen time is impacting their ability to communicate effectively.

You will learn about her unique Sunday night planning routine, the importance of modeling pencil use for your children, and why reading aloud is the foundation of family connection and intelligence. Whether you are a seasoned homeschooler or just starting out, this conversation offers practical wisdom on building a strong academic foundation. Holly breaks down the Squiggle Squad methodology, which focuses on developing motor skills and directionality before introducing formal letter learning. This episode is a must-watch for parents who want to equip their children with the tools they need to succeed in a digital world.

Chapters0:00 Intro to Holly Britain and Squiggle Squad3:15 Holly's accidental journey into homeschooling7:45 The handwriting gap in modern classrooms11:30 Seeing the results of a homeschool lifestyle15:15 How to shape your homeschool and find community19:00 The Sunday night planning routine for success23:30 Transitioning to high school and studying abroad27:15 Why keyboarding is not a replacement for writing31:45 The decline of motor skills and the impact of tech35:30 Digital dysregulation vs ADHD in young children39:15 Modeling pencil use and preparing for kindergarten43:00 How handwriting trains the brain to think47:15 The power of family read-alouds and traditions50:30 Introduction to Squiggle Squad resources52:45 Final wisdom on intentionality and self-care

Be sure to subscribe for more expert interviews and homeschooling resources! Visit the Squiggle Squad website to learn more about their early handwriting curriculum and motor skill kits to help your child thrive.#homeschooling #handwriting #childdevelopment #parentingtips #literacy

Ever wondered how the health of our soil directly impacts the health of our families? In this episode, we sit down with Batavia Emanuel, a homeschool graduate turned regenerative agriculture nutritionist, to explore the powerful intersection of education, food justice, and community healing. Batavia shares her unique journey from being pulled out of public school in fifth grade to becoming a leading advocate for food sovereignty. We dive deep into why the modern food system is struggling and how regenerative farming can bridge the gap to nutrient-dense meals. She explains how her mother’s leap of faith into homeschooling led to the creation of a thriving micro school and how that self-paced environment prepared her for success in higher education and her current nonprofit work. Whether you are living in a city apartment or have a large backyard, Vetiveah provides actionable steps to start your own food security journey. From container gardening to supporting local farmers to the importance of food sovereignty, this conversation is a roadmap for anyone looking to reclaim their health and empower their community. We also touch on the importance of rest as resistance and why believing in the healing power of nature is the first step toward a better future. www.vetiveah.com Vetiveah Immanuel is a regenerative agriculture nutritionist, food justice advocate, speaker, community leader, and a minister of the Gospel. Vetiveah bridges the gap between agriculture, nutrition, and food justice, equipping audiences to reclaim their God-given inheritance of nourishment, environmental stewardship, and food sovereignty.A former picky eater turned community feeder, Vetiveah’s journey began with a deeply personal question: Why do some communities have access to healthy food while others do not? At 16, during a nonprofit urban farm apprenticeship in Chicago, she witnessed firsthand the realities of food apartheid, nutrition inequities, and the transformative power of community-grown food. That experience ignited a lifelong calling to connect people back to the land, their health, and their inherent power to nourish themselves and their communities.For more than 10 years, Vetiveah has worked at the intersection of food sovereignty, nutrition education, public health, urban agriculture, and community development. She has partnered with organizations including FoodCorps, CitySeed, Greater Chicago Food Depository, and Green Village Initiative, where she developed culturally relevant food education programs, farm-to-school initiatives, community gardens, food entrepreneurship programs, and wellness-focused learning experiences.Today, Vetiveah is the founder of Radiance Gardens, a health and garden education initiative empowering all through gardening, nutrition, and wellness. She is also the co-founder of Liberated Land Cooperative, a Black- and Brown-led farmer cooperative increasing access to culturally relevant foods across Connecticut, and a co-founder of the Connecticut Food Sovereignty Collective, advancing community-led solutions for healthier and more resilient food systems.Video edited by: Nexus Nova nzmedia1234@gmail.com FB: https://www.facebook.com/share/16DwALXWFa/?mibextid=wwXIfrDo creative video edit, YouTube video editing by Zzaman123 | FiverrChaptersIf you found this conversation helpful, please like this video and subscribe to the channel for more content on homeschooling and holistic living. Share your thoughts on gardening or homeschooling in the comments below! ✍️

What happens when a twelve year old is told she cannot pursue her passion unless she compromises her values? In this episode of the Homeschool Your Kids podcast, guest Elizabeth Flores explains how homeschooling gave her the courage and the time to start her own ballet company after being rejected by a traditional director. It is a powerful look at how alternative education empowers children to become leaders long before they reach adulthood.

Host Jae and Elizabeth dive deep into the journey of the New American Youth Ballet. Elizabeth shares fascinating stories from her childhood, including the time she and her mother hired a forty two piece union orchestra for a performance while she was still a teenager. They discuss the many ways homeschooling protects children from the high stress and social noise of traditional school environments, allowing them to focus on their unique talents and character development.

The conversation also explores the current state of the arts, the pitfalls of high pressure ballet competitions, and Elizabeth’s mission to bring the beauty of dance to nursing homes and hospitals. If you are looking for ways to integrate high level extracurriculars into your homeschool schedule, Elizabeth provides details on her new online classes and an exciting opportunity for students to perform in a New York City production of the Nutcracker. This episode is a must watch for any parent who wants to see their child find their lane and run in it with confidence.

https://www.naybdance.org/

Elizabeth Flores' ballet journey began when she was 8 in her hometown, Binghamton, NY. At age 11 she was accepted to train with the Royal Winnipeg Ballet and from there was accepted to both the London Royal Ballet school and the Bolshoi Ballet Academy (on full scholarship), the latter of which she performed with as a soloist. But Elizabeth’s true passion always lay in teaching. ​

The mission of NAYB continued to evolve as they sought innovative ways to share music and dance to children of all economic backgrounds. After 9/11, the school offered free ballet lessons and performance opportunities in downtown NYC to any local child affected by the tragedy. In 2015, they aired the first episode of their TV show: New American Youth Ballet Presents!. The show broadcasts weekly on Manhattan Neighborhood Network every Friday at 6pm.

She has staged numerous full-length ballets with professional symphony orchestras including: The Nutcracker, The Sleeping Beauty, Swan Lake, and Coppelia. Her original ballet, Life of a Dancer, which she composed with Dr. Alan Turry, was recently arranged by Hollywood Music arranger Tim Simonec (UP!, Ratatouille, Star Trek, Mission Impossible 3, Whiplash) and recorded in Nashville with a 40 piece professional orchestra. Her original ballet learning musical album, My Ballerina and Me, also written in collaboration with Dr. Alan Turry, was recorded at the Juilliard School of Music.

Elizabeth continues to strive to find new ways to merge her two passions, the arts and the community.

Chapters

0:00 Intro and meeting Elizabeth Flores

3:10 Why Elizabeth’s family started homeschooling

6:45 Starting a ballet school at age twelve

10:20 Choosing values over traditional dance companies

14:50 Performing with a union orchestra as a teen

19:30 Navigating college pressure and expectations

24:15 Training at Julliard and the pursuit of excellence

29:00 How homeschooling creates a flexible schedule

34:10 Avoiding the social noise of public school

39:40 The difference between art and competition

44:20 Bringing dance to hospitals and nursing homes

49:15 Upcoming Nutcracker and online class info

52:40 Self care and advice for homeschool moms

54:30 Final thoughts and encouragement

Make sure to subscribe for more inspiring interviews and resources for your homeschooling journey. Check out the links in the description to connect with Elizabeth and explore her upcoming dance programs.

Are you feeling overwhelmed by hours of homework or wondering if you can really handle the homeschooling journey long-term? Join Jae and veteran homeschool mom Karen Love Mitchell as they dive into twenty-one years of wisdom, covering everything from deschooling in New York City to navigating college prep for her four graduates.

In this episode of the Homeschool Your Kids podcast, Karen shares her transition from private school stress to a life of individualized learning. She provides practical advice on how to handle a ten-year age gap between children, the importance of finding local community through libraries and co-ops, and why socialization is actually a homeschooler’s greatest strength. Whether you are just starting out or are a seasoned pro, Karen’s insights on building a family-centered education will inspire you to keep going.

Key topics include the benefits of enrichment co-ops, teaching through movies and unit studies, and how to involve extended family in the educational process. Karen also discusses her consulting work with Homeschool Informational Services, where she helps parents find the right curriculum and prepare their students for life after graduation. You will learn about the importance of having an overarching theme for your school year and how to encourage your children to advocate for themselves and use their voices in the real world.

Chapters

0:00 Intro and Meeting Karen Love Mitchell

3:15 Moving from Private School to Homeschooling

7:40 The Importance of Deschooling and Slowing Down

12:10 Using Field Trips to Make History Come Alive

15:50 Managing the Gap: Teens and Toddlers Together

19:30 Finding Community and Library Resources

23:45 The Structure of an Enrichment Co-op

28:20 Creative Teaching: Movies as Literature

32:15 Professional Consulting for Homeschool Families

37:00 Choosing Curriculum Based on Learning Styles

41:30 Tackling the College and Socialization Questions

46:15 Turning Naysayers into Supporters

51:00 Encouraging Kids to Use Their Voices

54:45 Essential Self-Care for Homeschool Parents

57:15 Final Wisdom and Where to Find Karen

Don't forget to check out the links in the description to connect with Karen and learn more about her consulting services and YouTube channel. Subscribe for more stories and support for your homeschooling journey, and we hope to see you at the next expo!

#homeschooling #education #parenting #homeschooltips #community

Have you ever considered how travel can be the ultimate classroom for your children? Join Jae on the Homeschool Yo Kids podcast as she interviews Jessica, a corporate flight attendant and author known as Red, who shares her incredible journey from the skies to the page. Jessica discusses how her experiences flying private jets and visiting all 50 states inspired her to create a unique series of aviation-themed children's books featuring her lovable cats, Miso and Keely.

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of aviation, the reality of life on the road, and why exploring the world is one of the most valuable gifts you can give to a child. From stories about flying celebrities like Prince and Taylor Swift to the technical challenges of being a flight attendant, Jessica offers a fascinating look at a high-flying career. We also explore the importance of independent publishing, collaborating with talented illustrators, and the life lessons found in geographical exploration.

Whether you are a homeschooling parent looking for new literature or someone curious about the aviation lifestyle, this conversation is packed with inspiration, humor, and heart. Learn how to balance a demanding career with creative passions and why kindness is the most important lesson of all.

www.misokili.com

Video edited by: Nexus Novanzmedia1234@gmail.comFB: https://www.facebook.com/share/16DwALXWFa/?mibextid=wwXIfrDo creative video edit, youtube video editing by Zzaman123 | FiverrChapters0:00 Welcome to Homeschool Yo Kids Podcast2:15 Meeting Jessica Red and Her Cats5:30 From Tell-All Books to Childrens Literature8:45 Encouraging Kids to Explore Aviation Careers11:20 How to Become a Corporate Flight Attendant14:00 Safety Standards and Commercial Flight Requirements17:15 Exploring Alaska and 30 Different Countries20:45 Getting Stuck in Nebraska and Finding Time to Write23:30 The Beauty of Arizona and the American West26:15 Why Traveling is the Best Education for Kids29:45 Flying Taylor Swift and Other Celebrities33:00 Lessons of Friendship in the Miso and Keely Series36:15 Working with Illustrators and Creating Board Games39:30 Space Adventures and Independent Publishing42:00 RV Life Challenges and Future Travel Goals44:45 Self Care Strategies and Final ThoughtsIf you enjoyed this episode, please like the video and subscribe to the channel for more interviews with amazing authors and educators. Visit our website to learn more about upcoming expos and resources for your homeschooling journey!#aviation #homeschooling #childrensbooks #travel #flightattendant