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Artwork for Opportunity Gap: For Families Navigating Special Education

Opportunity Gap: For Families Navigating Special Education

Understood.org, Julian Saavedra
ADHD
Dyslexia
Learning Differences
Special Education
Education
Parenting
Education System
Learning Disabilities
Parenting Strategies
Anxiety
Educational Support
Literacy
Literacy Development
Black and Brown Communities
Early Intervention
Child Development
School Year Preparation
Dyscalculia
Opportunity Gap
Community Support

Navigating the education system can be overwhelming for families whose children have ADHD, dyslexia, or other learning and thinking differences. Opportunity Gap is a podcast that sheds light on the real challenges families face when trying to get the right support for their kids. On this show, we explore how identity, race, disability, and access to resources can make the education journey more ch... more

PublishesTwice monthlyEpisodes104Founded5 years ago
Number of ListenersCategories
Kids & FamilyEducation for KidsParenting

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Artwork for Opportunity Gap: For Families Navigating Special Education

Latest Episodes

If your child doesn’t seem ready for kindergarten or the next grade, what should you do? What if the school is suggesting that your child stay back?

In this episode, we break down the real factors behind redshirting and grade retention. Guest Dr. Im... more

YouTube

As the school year winds down, many kids start to burn out. They might lose motivation, feel big emotions, or struggle to follow their usual routines. In this episode, you’ll learn why behaviors like shutdowns and meltdowns are signals, not problems,... more

YouTube

Most families know that IEPs can provide accommodations and services. But other powerful supports are sometimes hidden. In this episode, we break down three often-overlooked IEP benefits: extended school year services, built-in training for parents a... more

YouTube

Play isn’t just a break from learning. It can also be how learning happens. But many kids have less time for recess and unstructured play than ever before.

In this episode, we explore why play matters for focus, social skills, and emotional regulati... more

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Recent Guests

Imani Irving-Perez
Dr. Imani Irving-Perez, lecturer on early childhood and special education at Hunter College; mom of five; educator and researcher
Hunter College
Episode: Should you hold your child back a year? What parents need to know
Stephanie Delussie
Special education teacher and author of The Intentional IEP
Author of The Intentional IEP
Episode: 3 hidden IEP benefits every parent should know
Elizabeth Davenport
Dietitian at Sunny Side Up Nutrition
Sunny Side Up Nutrition
Episode: ADHD and how eating affects focus for kids
Anna Lutz
Dietitian at Sunny Side Up Nutrition
Sunny Side Up Nutrition
Episode: ADHD and how eating affects focus for kids
Nanika Coor
Family therapist based in Brooklyn, host of Project Parenthood
Brooklyn-based family therapist
Episode: Help kids face failure without stepping in to fix it
Camila de O'Neese
Therapist and mom living in New York City
Episode: Introducing Everyone Gets a Juice Box
Danielle Ward
Parent advocate and founder of Encompass Parent Solutions
Encompass Parent Solutions
Episode: Top 5 IEP meeting tips from a parent advocate
Dr. Julie Mayring
Middle school director and psychologist
Episode: Phone-free classrooms: What happens when devices disappear
Meghan Whittaker
Former Chief of Staff in the Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services
Office of Special Education and Rehabilitative Services
Episode: Is special education in crisis? Federal layoffs explained

Host

Julian Saavedra
Host and assistant principal with over 20 years of experience; shares real stories and practical strategies to help families advocate for their child.

Reviews

4.9 out of 5 stars from 40 ratings
  • Great topics, great tips, great host!

    Julian is a great host—I love this show! Great topics, great guests, great tips, and did I mention I love the host?

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    ice-wings🐾🐲🌌
    United States4 years ago
  • Thoughtful podcast on important issues

    This podcast is one of a kind — specifically focusing on the intersection of race and learning disabilities/ADHD, which often gets overlooked in schools. The host is honest, relatable, and informative. The guests always add great perspective. Highly recommend for anyone who wants to become more knowledgable on these issues.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Nyrkim
    United States4 years ago
  • Really great show

    Love the hosts and how candid they are. I really appreciate the perspective they bring. Required listening for all teachers.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    BK77534
    United States4 years ago
  • Bold and exciting

    Hearing someone finally asking the tough questions families face when it comes to differences like race and school choice is refreshing. Knowing the gap exists is common, reckoning with what this means for parents and their kids with disabilities — is bold!! Bravo!

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    JS44419
    United States5 years ago
  • Honest and thought-provoking

    Julian and Marissa engage in thoughtful conversations and use their own experiences as teachers and parents to discuss some of the joys and challenges of raising kids of color with learning differences. This is a great resource for families and teachers.

    Apple Podcasts
    5
    Beth5750
    United States5 years ago

Listeners Say

Key themes from listener reviews, highlighting what works and what could be improved about the show.

Listeners praise data-driven conversations and candid discussions about equity and the education system.
Host is engaging and relatable, with topics that matter to families navigating learning differences.
The show is seen as essential listening for teachers and parents focused on supporting kids of color with learning differences.

Chart Rankings

How this podcast ranks in the Apple Podcasts, Spotify and YouTube charts.

Talking Points

Recent interactions between the hosts and their guests.

Should you hold your child back a year? What parents need to know
Q: What practical steps can parents take to make this decision with confidence?
Gather data early, discuss with multiple teachers and the pediatrician, consider outside evaluations, monitor progress over time, and trust instincts while leveraging community supports and ensuring the child's access to services if redshirted.
Should you hold your child back a year? What parents need to know
Q: How would you counsel a parent who is worried about their child's academic readiness and is considering redshirting?
First acknowledge the worry, norm readiness by defining what readiness means in different domains, consider how delaying might help or hinder access to supports, and emphasize collecting data, seeking multiple expert opinions, and using progress monitoring to guide the decision.
Should you hold your child back a year? What parents need to know
Q: What are the primary reasons this comes up for parents considering whether to hold a child back?
Reasons include social-emotional readiness, academic readiness (reading, math, executive functioning), behavior and transitions, and even physical development, all weighed through a developmental lens to decide what would best support the child across settings.
ADHD and how eating affects focus for kids
Q: What should you feed your child at breakfast to support focus when they might not feel like eating?
Offer flexible options that the child will eat, prioritizing protein, fats, and carbohydrates; smoothies, soups, or drinkable yogurts can help when appetite is low.
ADHD and how eating affects focus for kids
Q: First question, in your practice, do you all see a lot of parents who have kids with ADHD?
Yes, many families report concerns about meals, breakfast intake, and appetite changes related to ADHD meds; nutrition strategies are used to support focus and growth.

Audience Metrics

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Frequently Asked Questions About This Podcast

What is This Podcast about and what kind of topics does it cover?

This show centers on families navigating special education, with a focus on ADHD, dyslexia, and other learning differences. It frequently covers practical advocacy steps, data-informed decision making, and conversations about identity, race, and access to resources within the education system. Expect candid teacher and administrator perspectives, expert guidance on IEPs, ESY, and school policies, plus real-world stories that illuminate the challenges and solutions families encounter in securing appropriate supports for their children. A notable strength is blending personal experience with expert insight to offer actionable strategies for families and educators alike, making it helpful for both listeners seeking practical steps and potentia... more

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These podcasts share a similar audience with this podcast:

1. Ask Lisa: The Psychology of Raising Tweens & Teens
2. Angela Watson's Truth for Teachers
3. The Mama's Den
4. IMO with Michelle Obama and Craig Robinson
5. This Is So Awkward

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this podcast launched 5 years ago and published 104 episodes to date. You can find more information about this podcast including rankings, audience demographics and engagement in our podcast database.

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What guests have appeared on this podcast?

Recent guests on this podcast include:

1. Imani Irving-Perez
2. Stephanie Delussie
3. Elizabeth Davenport
4. Anna Lutz
5. Nanika Coor
6. Camila de O'Neese
7. Danielle Ward
8. Dr. Julie Mayring

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