Strong Starts

Strong Starts

by Jessica Whitehead and Sarah Gerber-Kai
EducationSocial Sciences
Season 2
The Illusion of Inclusion: Are Our Inclusive Practices Keeping Students on the Outside?
Explicit
Most classrooms think they’re inclusive, but the real test is this: does every student actually belong, or are some kids just being managed on the side? Sarah and Jessica unpack the difference between true inclusion and the sneaky "illusions" schools often mistake for it, and what it takes to build a classroom where access, autonomy, and belonging are real. They break down the common traps that look like support but quietly create separation: island desks, peer helper hierarchies, contingency-based access, and lowered expectations dressed up as inclusion. If you’ve ever wondered whether your classroom setup is helping students or just making inclusion look good on paper, this conversation gets honest fast. This episode matters because the old accommodation-first model leaves too many students waiting to be included later. True inclusion changes the starting point so more kids can access learning, participate with dignity, and show what they know in ways that work for them.
S2 · E2
Sep 28, 2026
24:25
The Illusion of Control: Why Restraint and Seclusion Are System Failures
Explicit
Restraint and seclusion are not “behavior management”, they are signs the system has already failed. In this season two kickoff, Sarah and Jessica respond to a wave of recent news stories that expose what happens when school culture prioritizes control over child safety, and why the fallout is bigger than most people realize. They unpack a disturbing string of cases, including a Pierce County principal resignation tied to a so-called “red room,” a Federal Way educator accused of assaulting a student in a hallway, a Greenwood County teacher charged after physically escalating an art-class incident, and a DOJ finding that a St. Louis district’s restraint and seclusion practices discriminated against students with disabilities. Along the way, they connect the dots between fear-based decision-making, routine punishment, trauma, and the long-term harm these practices can cause. You’ll hear Sarah and Jessica break down: Why restraint and seclusion are not rare exceptions, but common practices in too many schools What the latest reporting reveals about “calming spaces,” reactive interventions, and repeated use Why “it makes sense knowing the students we have” is exactly the wrong mindset How data from Washington, Wisconsin, South Carolina, and Missouri points to a much bigger pattern Why staff must stop treating children’s bodies like something to control Jessica shares why these cases hit close to home and why backlash won’t slow her down, while Sarah pushes the conversation toward a harder but necessary question: if a practice is harmful, why is it still in the toolbox? Together they make the case that changing the culture means removing the option, finding better tools, and refusing to normalize pain as policy. Articles: https://www.thenewstribune.com/news/local/community/puyallup-herald/article316938078.html https://www.king5.com/article/news/education/federal-way-paraeducator-accused-of-assaulting-student/281-643c5346-26b0-4fb1-9eb7-00b835b82cb7 https://www.theameryfreepress.com/news/amery-reports-uptick-in-seclusion-restraint-incidents/article_78fe752c-8f47-48ba-83af-28e10d5645be.html https://www.justice.gov/opa/pr/justice-department-finds-special-school-district-st-louiss-seclusion-and-restraint-practices
S2
Sep 14, 2026
22:21
Season 1
When Everyone is Melting Down: Regulation and Co-Regulation at Home Special Guest: Ginger Healy
It’s the messy reality of everyday parenting: you have all the best intentions and proactive strategies, but suddenly you're trying to manage transitions, get dinner on the table, and it feels like the whole house is dysregulated at exactly the same time. In this live episode of the Strong Starts Podcast, Jessica and Sarah step out of the classroom and into the living room. We sit down with clinical social worker, adoptive parent, and author Ginger Healy to bridge the gap between behavioral science and the realities of home life. Ginger breaks down the accessible neuroscience of behavior, helping us understand what our kids are actually communicating when things spiral out of control. In this episode, we cover: Decoding Meltdowns: What is actually happening in a child’s brain during a meltdown, and why verbal reasoning in the heat of the moment usually backfires. The Art of Co-Regulation: How to stay grounded and effectively co-regulate when your own nervous system is starting to flood. Nurturing Neurodivergence: Why a one-size-fits-all approach to parenting doesn't work, and how to recognize the subtle signs of dysregulation like masking or shutting down. Proactive Strategies: Small, practical routines you can start tomorrow to widen your family's "window of tolerance" and build a more healing-centered home. About Our Guest: Ginger Healy is a clinical social worker, fierce advocate for trauma-sensitive practices, and the Program Director of the Attachment and Trauma Network. She is the author of 15-Minute Focus: Regulation and Co-Regulation and its companion workbook. Resources Mentioned: Get Ginger’s Book & Workbook: 15-Minute Focus: Regulation and Co-Regulation Learn more about the Attachment and Trauma Network at https://attachmenttraumanetwork.org/ Listen to Ginger’s podcast: Regulated & Relational
S1 · E24
Jul 30, 2026
32:46
Start Connecting: Practical At-Home Tools for Supporting Your Child
What if the key to true understanding isn’t about pushing harder, but about shifting how we see our children and ourselves? In this episode, parenting expert Jessica and Sarah reveal simple, transformative mindset shifts that can profoundly change your relationship with your kids. You'll discover how letting go of the word "should" can free your child from unnecessary anxiety and unlock their true potential. We break down powerful strategies like adjusting expectations to your child’s developmental level, using small language changes to foster independence, and the importance of co-regulation. Plus, get practical tips on managing your own dysregulation, repairing after meltdown moments, and building genuine connection through play, laughter, and presence. Plus, stay tuned for our upcoming episode featuring Ginger Healy, author of Regulation and Co-regulation, who shares even deeper strategies to help you and your child thrive.
S1 · E23
Jul 13, 2026
22:31
IEP Meetings Don't Have to be Scary: How to Speak up with Confidence (Parent Series 2 of 4)
Most parents feel overwhelmed and under-informed navigating their child's special education journey. In this episode, Kristal Vega Carrasquillo from the Lewis County Autism Coalition shares practical strategies that transform feelings of confusion into confidence. You’ll learn how to decode the complex language of evaluations and IEP meetings, advocate effectively without feeling like a lawyer, and shift the focus from intimidating numbers to your child’s unique strengths and needs. Kristal reveals actionable tactics like preparing your own documentation, using plain language during meetings, and knowing your legal rights, including requesting independent evaluations or re-evaluations at any time. She discusses how masking and cultural factors impact behavior reports and why understanding these nuances helps families advocate from a place of empowerment and respect. If you’ve ever felt outnumbered at an IEP table or unsure how to speak up for your child's needs, this episode is your roadmap to becoming a confident, informed advocate. Whether you're just starting or deep into your journey, you'll walk away with clear steps to support your child's success and nurture your own confidence. Every parent deserves to feel empowered, understood, and capable of guiding their child to thrive. Perfect for parents, caregivers, educators, and advocates ready to turn overwhelm into empowerment. This episode will remind you that your voice is your child's most vital tool in their path to success. Don't miss it! Resources and More Information: lcautism.org or outreach@lcautism.org
S1 · E22
Jun 26, 2026
41:17
My Kid is Struggling: Where to Start at School (Parent Series 1 of 4)
Watching your child struggle in school, whether academically, socially, or behaviorally, can feel overwhelming and isolating. As a parent, you know your child best, but navigating the education system to get them the right support often feels like learning a foreign language. This live event is designed to demystify the school support process and empower you to become your child’s strongest advocate. We will walk step-by-step through what to do when you first notice a concern, who to contact, and how to request help. You'll learn how to bring outside diagnoses to the school's attention and how to understand the key differences between 504 Plans and Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Leave this session with actionable tools, next steps, and the confidence to build a collaborative, supportive team for your student.
S1 · E21
Jun 18, 2026
32:20
Masking: The Reality of Neurodivergent Masking and Identity Loss
For many in the neurodivergent community, we spend our lives learning to cover up who we are to blend into the environment around us. In this episode, we trace the profound identity loss experienced by neurodivergent adults right back to where it often starts: the classroom. We discuss the hidden exhaustion of the neurodivergent student and why traditional educational settings need a major shift. It’s time to stop asking kids to change who they are, and start building school cultures rooted in actual psychological safety. Tune in to learn how we can move away from forced compliance and start cultivating trauma-informed, neuro-affirming school cultures where every student is actually safe to unmask.
S1 · E20
May 18, 2026
24:58
When Kids Push Back: How Self-Regulation Stops the Battle for Control
Sarah and Jessica unpack the hidden dynamics behind power struggles, revealing how they often do more harm than good and how a calm, intentional response can turn conflict into connection. You’ll discover how recognizing the signs in your body can help you pause before escalating. Learn the key difference between setting boundaries and engaging in power struggles, with practical strategies to stay regulated when kids push back. We break down real-life examples, like how to handle a student on a Chromebook or a child refusing to get in the car, showing you how to maintain control without losing rapport. Jessica shares her approach to collaborative boundary-setting, emphasizing the importance of understanding the “why” behind behaviors instead of simply reacting. You'll also explore why avoiding power struggles through disengagement and self-regulation creates more sustainable relationships, whether at home or in the classroom. We reveal how to implement trauma-informed, neuroaffirming strategies that promote cooperation, reduce stress, and build trust. Plus, hear the surprising role time and technology play in fueling these conflicts, and how to navigate those barriers effectively.
S1 · E19
May 4, 2026
20:08
Beyond the Four Functions: Diving Beneath the Surface
Explore the deeper layers of student behavior in this insightful episode. Move beyond the four functions of behavior to uncover the psychological, sensory, and environmental factors that impact students. Jessica and Sarah reveal how common behaviors like classroom escape are often linked to sensory overload or communication challenges, requiring a broader perspective. Learn why simplistic, compliance-based strategies fall short and how asking deeper questions can lead to effective interventions. Discover practical tips for involving multidisciplinary teams and implementing trauma-informed, neuro-affirming strategies that empower students. Student Response Roadmap
S1 · E18
Apr 20, 2026
19:26
(Part 2) From Silos to Systems: Examining Fragmented Care Models in Schools
This episode exposes the barriers to effective teamwork and reveals simple, actionable strategies to break down those walls. You’ll discover how communication breakdowns and fragmented care models undermine student success, and more importantly, the innovative approaches that foster genuine integration. From establishing shared goals around emotional regulation to leveraging systems-level planning, we share proven tactics to align your team’s efforts. Jessica and Sarah reveal how to craft collaborative goals that aren’t made in isolation but are driven by real input from all stakeholders, including families and offsite providers. We break down practical tools like visual emotion lists, ongoing team check-ins, and technology solutions that keep everyone on the same page, even when team members aren’t physically present. This episode dives into the complexities of large secondary teams, addressing common pitfalls, and how strong foundational systems can reduce the need for overly individualized plans.
S1 · E17
Apr 6, 2026
18:29
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