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FAQ’s About Becoming a Master IEP Coach®

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I'm Catherine!

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If you sit at an IEP table (in any role), you already know how challenging the IEP process can be—and you also know that families and schools need support now more than ever. Whether you’re a parent, teacher, therapist, or school admin, you have valuable experience that can create significant change in Special education as a Master IEP Coach®.

I’ve seen tremendous changes in my 25+ years of leading parents and teachers to build IEPs differently. Standard advocacy programs and college degrees hardly scratch the surface of what it feels like to build IEPs in the real world. That’s exactly why I started mentoring parents and teachers to become Master IEP Coaches®.

Inside this mentorship, you’ll get the training, tools, and community support you need to confidently step into the role of a Master IEP Coach®. You’ll learn how to create both impact and income using your IEP experience to help others. You don’t have to figure it all out on your own—I’ll walk you through everything from understanding collaborative IEP negotiation strategies to building a sustainable and profitable coaching business that works for your lifestyle.

I know you probably have questions about what this looks like, how it fits into your life, and what kind of support you’ll receive. I personally answer every email that pops into my inbox, but I thought I’d get a headstart in answering your questions by sharing the most common questions that I receive… maybe one of these is yours!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) – Master IEP Coach® Mentorship

1. Who can become a Master IEP Coach®?
Anyone who sits at an IEP table! Parents, teachers, administrators, and therapists are all welcome. If you’re dedicated to improving the IEP process and supporting students, this mentorship is for you.

2. Can I do this while working my full-time job?
Yes! Many Master IEP Coaches® start part-time and grow at their own pace. You can build your coaching business in a way that fits your schedule and lifestyle.

3. Can I help parents from multiple states?
Yes! Master IEP Coaches® can work with families nationwide. While state guidelines may vary, the federal IEP framework applies everywhere, and we’ll teach you how to navigate different requirements while supporting families effectively.

4. I’m a parent and my IEP experience comes from advocating for my own child. Can I still do this?
Absolutely! Many Master IEP Coaches® start as parents navigating the system for their own children. Your firsthand experience is incredibly valuable, and we’ll show you how to use it to help other families.

5. What happens after I enroll?
Once you enroll, you’ll get immediate access to the full Master IEP Coach® course, curriculum, community, and 1:1 coaching with Catherine. If you choose the annual enrollment option, you’ll receive two months free and a 1:1 onboarding call to help jumpstart your journey. You’ll have access to coaching and resources for as long as you remain a member.

6. How long do I have access to the coaching and curriculum?
As long as you are a member of the Master IEP Coach® Mentorship, you will have access to all coaching sessions and your Master IEP Coach® library. Your access only ends if you choose to leave the program.

7. What if I struggle to create coaching packages parents will say yes to?
We cover this inside the mentorship! You’ll learn exactly how to structure services that are clear, valuable, and easy for parents to say “yes” to.

8. How will I find clients and make my business profitable?
You definitely don’t have to be salesy or pushy! Inside the mentorship, you’ll learn how to network both online and in person in a way that feels natural and aligned with your strengths. I’ll teach you how to connect with the families who need you most and structure your services in a way that works for you and your clients. The basic yearly costs of running your business, including being enrolled in the Master IEP Coach® program, can usually be covered with just three new clients a year.

9. What kind of clients will I work with?
As a Master IEP Coach®, you don’t help everyone—you will specialize based on your experience and the problems you’re most passionate about solving. Whether it’s working with specific age groups, disabilities, or unique challenges in special education, your role is to serve the families who need you the most. Your expertise and dedication will guide you in finding your perfect clients and making the biggest impact. This specialized focus (that I’ll help you fine-tune) is what will set you apart from standard advocacy that focuses on putting out fires for everyone.

10. I don’t want to be a Master IEP Coach®. Do you offer 1:1 coaching for parents who need IEP help?
While I do not currently have availability for 1:1 coaching, I highly recommend working with a trained Master IEP Coach® who can help you navigate your child’s IEP. You can find a coach in our directory here: www.masteriepcoach.com/directory.

11. Will I get help setting up my website?
Yes! You’ll have access to website templates that allow you to publish your site in just a few clicks on a shoestring budget. I’ll also guide you on how to structure your business and reach your ideal clients.

12. How much does it cost to start?

  • Master IEP Coach® program – $970/yr OR $97/mo
  • Website – $10-$20/month (I’ll show you an easy, budget-friendly setup)
  • Additional optional costs: professional email ($6/month), liability insurance ($10/month), QuickBooks ($10/month)
  • Most Master IEP Coaches® cover all their startup costs with just 1-3 clients.

13. What certificates are available in the program?
The Foundational Master IEP Coach® Certificate is available immediately for you to earn when you enroll. A new certificate to help you grow your impact and income can be earned once per quarter, ongoing, for as long as you are a member.

14. I’m worried my experience with IEPs is too narrow to build a business. Can I still make this work?
Yes! You don’t have to know everything about IEPs to be successful. You’ll learn how to lean into your expertise and serve the families who need you most. As you gain experience, your knowledge and confidence will grow, and you’ll build a thriving practice step by step.

15. I don’t want to participate in IEP meetings—can I still be a Master IEP Coach®?
Yes! You don’t have to sit at IEP tables if that’s not what you want to do. Many Master IEP Coaches® choose to consult, provide online support, host workshops, or speak at conferences. The mentorship will help you find the path that fits your goals and strengths.

16. How do I enroll?
You can get all the details and enroll in the Master IEP Coach® Mentorship here.

17. Where can I learn more?
Check out this video to see what’s possible for you as a Master IEP Coach®.

It’s Time to Take Action!

The best part about becoming a Master IEP Coach® is that you get to make an impact on your terms. Whether you want to support parents, collaborate with schools, or work behind the scenes with consulting and training, this mentorship will help you build a path that fits your strengths, goals, and desire to turn your IEP experience into income.

There is no “perfect” time to start—but there is a confident way to start. And that’s with the right training, community, and guidance to help you avoid the overwhelm and start making a difference right away.

Get started on your journey to becoming a Master IEP Coach®. Click here to join: https://masteriepcoach.com/mentorship

Still have questions? Send your question to me here.

-Catherine

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Special needs sibling, masters in special education, certified high performance coach.

Hi, I'm Catherine.
Fixing IEPs is my thing.

It's been almost 30 years since I sat at my first IEP meeting as a new teacher (spoiler alert, I didn't stay a classroom teacher for long). But, my first taste of the IEP rollercoaster was in the front row, at my brother's IEP meeting. I knew right then, the IEP process needed help, and I was all in.

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