Education on Pause: Shutdown, Staffing, and Special Education

What happens when the people who protect our students’ rights are suddenly… gone?

In this episode, I’m breaking down what’s happening inside the U.S. Department of Education—why hundreds of staff in special education and civil rights offices were laid off, what the courts are saying about it, and how it all connects to the larger story of a government shutdown that’s using our most vulnerable students as leverage.

I know—heavy stuff. But stay with me. This isn’t about panic; it’s about empowerment. My goal is to help you understand the facts so you can advocate confidently for your child, your students, or your community.

In this episode, I share:

• What triggered the mass layoffs at the Department of Education—and which offices were hit hardest
• How the American Federation of Government Employees v. Trump lawsuit led to a temporary restraining order (and what that really means)
• Why IDEA and students’ rights still stand—but why enforcement could become dangerously thin
• What this could mean for states, schools, and families in the coming months
• Practical steps you can take right now to make sure your child’s education plan is protected
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This moment in education feels unsettling—but knowledge is power. We can’t control the headlines, but we can make sure our ducks are in a row, our documentation is tight, and our advocacy is strong.

If you’re ready to understand what’s happening—and how to prepare without spiraling into overwhelm—this episode will help you do just that.