For many families, the start of a new school year brings a mix of excitement and anticipation. But for families of students with disabilities, it can also bring some worry or nervousness about what’s ahead. 

When students head back to school in August, the IEPs written last spring move from paper to practice. That’s when many families begin to see what’s working well – and where they might need more support. The plans made during annual meetings are now happening in real classrooms, and it’s often during this change that new questions or concerns come up. 

“The start of the school year is often when families realize they could use a partner in the IEP process,” says Sara Pease, Assistant Director of Children, Youth, & Their Families at Fello. “That’s exactly why we offer programs like Project Learn and Project Learn Leadership Academy – to make sure families and students feel supported, not just during their annual IEP meeting, but every step of the way.” 

What’s an IEP? 

An Individualized Education Program, or IEP, is a plan created to help students with disabilities get the support they need at school. It’s a legal document that lists the services, accommodations, and goals that will help a student learn and grow. 

Each IEP is created by a team that usually includes the student’s parents, teachers, school staff, administrators, and the students themselves. This team works together to set clear goals and decide on the right support to help the student reach them. 

IEPs are meant to give students the support they need – but they can be complicated and hard to understand. These documents are often long and full of educational terms, legal language, and steps to follow that aren’t always clear.  

Even after your child’s IEP is in place, you might still have questions – and you don’t have to wait until the next annual meeting to ask them. Questions like, is the plan being followed in the classroom? What if something isn’t working, or your child isn’t making progress? What happens next when a goal is met? You have the right to ask these questions and get support all year long.  

“For families, the process can feel more like navigating a system than building a support plan,” said Sara. “While the annual IEP meeting is a key moment, it’s what happens after the meeting that matters most.” 

That’s where Fello steps in. 

Two Programs, One Goal 

To help families feel more confident and supported during the IEP journey, Fello offers two programs: Project Learn and Project Learn Leadership Academy.   

• Project Learn is a one-on-one coaching program that provides personalized IEP support for parents.  
• Project Learn Leadership Academy is a four-day workshop series that helps students understand and take charge of their own IEP journey.

Both programs are designed to build understanding, confidence, and advocacy skills so families and students are prepared to speak up and ask for what they need. 

Project Learn: One-on-One IEP Coaching for Parents 

Project Learn is a one-time program offered in partnership with longtime IEP advocate Beth Nolan of Education Team Allies. Beth brings years of experience and a deep understanding of how to work with schools, systems, and services – always centering the family’s voice in the process. 

Designed to make IEPs feel less intimidating and more collaborative, Project Learn helps families understand, organize, and take action during a process that can otherwise feel overwhelming. It is for parents and guardians who want help:  

• Reviewing their child’s IEP or evaluations 
• Preparing for a school meeting 
• Figuring out what to do when something doesn’t feel right 
• Making changes to their child’s plan

How It Works 

Each family can receive up to six one-on-one sessions with Beth. Sessions are tailored to your needs and may include: 

• A full review of the IEP and evaluations 
• Meeting prep and follow-up support 
• Help organizing paperwork and notes 
• Attending a meeting with you 
• Building your confidence and helping you better understand your rights

While Beth is not a lawyer, she is an experienced advocate and coach who has helped hundreds of families navigate this process with greater confidence. 

Cost & Availability 

Project Learn is income-based, and most families pay just $25 per session – compared to $200+ per hour for similar services. 

Enrollment is limited to 50 families per year, and applications are accepted on a rolling basis – so you don’t need to wait for IEP season in the spring to get started. 

Start your application here.

Real-Life Impact 

Emily connected with Fello through Project Learn after relocating back to the Maryland area. As an active-duty military family, Emily was focused on building strong, stable support for her son’s IEP, and needed help learning how to navigate a new school system. 

Through Fello’s one-on-one IEP coaching and partnership with advocate Beth Noland, she found exactly what she needed. 

“Beth Nolan is an excellent resource,” said Emily Shanley. “She validated my concerns, clarified my questions, and helped our family get the most out of the IEP process for our son. We made more progress with Beth’s support than we had in over 11 years working with [the school system].” 

With the right guidance and advocacy, families like Emily’s are better prepared to navigate complex systems, build meaningful plans, and make sure their children have the support they need to succeed. 

Project Learn Leadership Academy: Helping Students Understand Their IEP 

For many students, the IEP process feels like something that happens to them – not with them. Project Learn Leadership Academy is designed to change that by putting students at the center of their own educational journey. 

This is a free program for middle and high schoolers and is ideal for students who want to better understand their educational plan, learn how to advocate for themselves, and take an active role in their school experience. The program supports students at different stages of their education journey – whether they’re just starting to get involved, or ready to lead conversations about their goals and needs. 

“When students are part of the IEP process early, they’re more likely to stay engaged and confident in their learning,” says Sara. “Project Learn Leadership Academy helps them see themselves as capable decision-makers.” 

How It Works 

In partnership with school-based transition specialists, this four-day classroom series takes place during the school day. Taught by Sara and Beth, students learn:

• What is in their IEP
• Who’s responsible for providing their services
• How to get ready for and participate in meetings
• How to talk about their goals and what they need in school

The goal is to build confident, informed students who are involved in shaping their own learning. 

Each year, Project Learn Leadership Academy rotates to new schools across the region. Families are encouraged to talk with their school teams about bringing the program to their school. 

Every Student Deserves a Strong Start 

Navigating the IEP process can feel overwhelming – but families don’t have to do it alone. Whether you need one-on-one support to prepare for a meeting or want to help your child play a more active role in their education, Fello meets you where you are.  

Our IEP programs are designed to empower families and students with the knowledge, confidence, and tools they need to succeed. 

Start your application here.

Once submitted, a member of our team will follow up to match you with the right program or resource. 

At Fello, we’re here to make sure every family feels informed, connected, and supported – every step of the way.