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When Special Education Eligibility Isn't the Path: Nurturing Your Child's Strengths and Exploring Options
It can be a challenging moment when, after a thorough evaluation, your child isn't found eligible for special education services. As...
Amy Merenda
Aug 34 min read
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Understanding Special Education Eligibility: A Guide for Parents
As parents, we all want what's best for our children, and sometimes that means seeking additional support to help them thrive...
Amy Merenda
Jul 273 min read
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Beyond the Checklist: Why Pragmatic Skills Need Real-Time Assessment
At Blooming Brains Educational Psychology, we understand that true communication goes far beyond simply knowing the rules. It's about...
Amy Merenda
Jul 163 min read
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Nurturing Every Spark: Supporting Twice-Exceptional (2e) Students 🧠✨
At Blooming Brains Educational Psychology, we believe every child has unique potential waiting to blossom. This is especially true for...
Amy Merenda
Jul 163 min read
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Understanding Independent Educational Evaluations (IEEs): Your Child's Right to a Second Opinion ðŸ§
As parents, we all want the best for our children, especially when it comes to their education. Sometimes, despite the school's best...
Amy Merenda
Jul 143 min read
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To the Parents Who Also Wear a School Psychologist Hat: We See You
Being a parent is a world unto itself – a beautiful, messy, exhilarating, and often exhausting journey filled with love, laughter, and...
Amy Merenda
Apr 253 min read
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Stepping into the Spotlight, Building Social Connections: How Theatre and Improv Cultivate Crucial Skills
At Blooming Brains, we believe in nurturing the whole child, and that extends far beyond academic achievements. We know that thriving in...
Amy Merenda
Apr 222 min read
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Navigating the Assessment Maze: School-Based vs. Private Evaluations - A Neurodiversity Affirming Perspective
For parents and educators navigating the landscape of understanding a child's learning profile, the question of assessment  often arises....
Amy Merenda
Apr 83 min read
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Decoding Neurodiversity: A Parent's Guide to Understanding and Supporting Your Child
The term "neurodiversity" is increasingly prevalent in conversations about children, education, and development. But what does it truly...
Amy Merenda
Apr 22 min read
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Beyond the Diagnosis: Using Assessment Results to Empower Your Child - Turning Insights into Action
Receiving your child's assessment results is just the beginning. The true value lies in how you use those results to create positive...
Amy Merenda
Mar 252 min read
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Decoding the IEP: What is an Independent Educational Evaluation (IEE)?
Navigating the world of special education can feel like deciphering a complex code. If you're a parent or caregiver advocating for a...
Amy Merenda
Mar 253 min read
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Navigating Neurodiversity: Why a Neurodiversity Affirming Assessment Matters - Empowering Your Child with a Strengths-Based Evaluation
The concept of neurodiversity is changing how we understand and approach learning differences. A neurodiversity affirming assessment  is...
Amy Merenda
Mar 182 min read
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Private Pay Psychoeducational Assessments: Control and Confidentiality
Why choose a private pay assessment instead of going through insurance? Read to learn about the many benefits of a private pay assessment!
Amy Merenda
Mar 52 min read
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Understanding Psychoeducational Assessments: What They Reveal and How They Help - Tailored Evaluations for Your Child’s Success
If you're concerned about your child's learning or behavior, a psychoeducational assessment  can provide invaluable insights. But what...
Amy Merenda
Mar 52 min read
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Your favorite LEP (cough, cough, ME!) was on a podcast!
Recently, I had the wonderful opportunity to be a guest on the Prepared School Psych podcast and talked all about how to be a...
Amy Merenda
Jan 29, 20241 min read
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A poem for school psychologists by a school psychologist
This year, for National School Psychology Week, I tried to channel the incredible force that is school psychology into one small poem. As...
Amy Merenda
Oct 30, 20231 min read
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