023: The Educational Path for Children with Special Needs with Kristi Herschberger

The journey doesn’t end when your child graduates from the NICU. And when a parent is told that their child has been diagnosed with cerebral palsy, finding an education program that suits their needs is just one step on their educational path.

My guest today, Kristi Herschberger, is no stranger to children with special needs; she has dedicated herself to teaching special education for 14 years and cares for her daughter, Karly, who has cerebral palsy. 

In this episode, she shares the importance of seeking out unique educational paths for our children, and how a diagnosis can be a crucial first step towards getting the tools your child needs to thrive. 

She also explains what Individualized Education Programs (IEPs) are, and shows us how to seek them out for our kids. She also shares important tools on advocating for our children’s needs. 

Kristi talks about her family’s journey with adoption and dives into the complexities and joys of being a transracial family, and tells her story of raising her two gorgeous little girls, Karly and Katelyn. 

Key Takeaways with Kristi Herschberger

• How feeding a baby with bad reflux issues to make sure they add weight is a full-time job.
• The amount of support that moms need when adopting a baby without a proper maternity leave.
• Caring and advocating for children with special needs.
• Remembering to prioritize self-care as parents.
• How to seek out special education (IEPs) for children who need it,
• How she navigates the complexities of being a transracial family as a light-skinned parent with dark-skinned children.

Show Notes:

Get Full Access to the Show Notes by visiting: MatteasJoy.org/23.

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