We Made It! A Letter to Special Needs Parents From The IEP Coach, Tracey McEntyre

Dear Parents,

We made it.

Another school year is in the books—and not just any school year. This one was layered with therapy appointments, IEP meetings (some joyful, some frustrating), homeschool planning, adapting lesson plans, navigating service gaps, and pushing through the unexpected—again.

As your IEP Coach, but more importantly, as a fellow mom walking this road, I want to say this from the bottom of my heart: I see you.

I see the public school parents advocating inside of systems that often weren't built with our kids in mind.I see the homeschooling parents who became full-time teachers, therapists, cooks, and emotional anchors—all before 9 AM. And I see every family somewhere in between, creating a learning path as unique as their child.

Reflecting on the Year

Whether your child learned to read, learned to self-regulate, or just felt safe enough to try—that matters. It all counts.

For some families, this was a year of educational wins. For others, it was about surviving hard days, unpredictable behaviors, or inconsistent supports. No matter what your year looked like, one thing remains true: you showed up.

Progress for our children isn't always a report card or standardized test. Sometimes it's a smile during a math game. Sometimes it's going a whole day without tears. Sometimes it's your child saying, "I did it, Mom."

And your efforts? They matter too. You made the curriculum work. You pivoted. You researched. You advocated. You loved.

To My Homeschooling Families:

You’ve taken on one of the bravest tasks—creating a custom learning environment for your child while navigating therapies, social needs, and often without a clear roadmap.

You didn’t just teach academics. You taught your child they belong.

You built routines and then rebuilt them. You sat through hard days and made space for rest when needed. You gave your child a gift: the freedom to learn at their own pace, in their own way. I honor that. I’m proud of you.

Summer Reminders for ALL Our Families:

• Rest is productive – Whether your child is in public school or you're their homeschool teacher, take time to pause and play.

• Connection over curriculum – Relationship before regression. Focus on bonding this summer.

• You’re the expert – No one knows your child like you do. IEP or not, trust that.

• You’re not alone – Our community is real, powerful, and growing. And I’m here to support you every step of the way.

Looking Ahead

As summer begins, don’t rush to fill every minute. Let this be a season of grace. Journal your wins. Celebrate the growth—yours and your child’s.

And when it’s time to plan the next IEP meeting, restructure your homeschool plan, or just get through another round of evaluations, remember this:

You’re not just surviving. You’re raising a world-changer.

I see you. I celebrate you. And I’m here when you need me.

With love and admiration,Tracey McEntyreThe IEP CoachTX