What Happens When the System Doesn’t Show Up?

When I first heard that the Department of Education could be dismantled, I had a gut reaction — panic, frustration, and a deep wave of “what now?”

But then I remembered: even when the system shifts, we don’t have to stand still. As parents and advocates, we’ve always been the ones showing up, asking the hard questions, and building new paths.

Summer’s Coming — But What About School Support?

With policy changes in the air, many parents are asking:

“What can I do right now to protect my child’s education?”

Here’s what I tell them:

Start with what you can control — your voice at the IEP table.

In my latest blog, I break down how the possible closure of the U.S. Department of Education could affect your child’s IEP or 504 Plan. It’s a wake-up call, but not a death sentence — and it’s also an opportunity.

🔗 Read the blog: What the Dismantling of the Department of Education Means for Your Child

Quick Tip: 3 Must-Ask IEP Questions

During a recent live session, I shared 3 essential questions every parent should ask in an IEP meeting — especially now: 1. How will you track and report progress if resources shift? 2. What’s your backup plan if federal protections change? 3. Can we update the plan now to reflect more current goals or services?

Want the full replay with examples and scripts? Drop a comment or DM me “IEP Questions” and I’ll send it your way.

Action Step: Don’t Just Prepare — Position Yourself Like a Pro

With all these changes happening, here’s what I want you to remember:

👉 How you advocate matters — especially now.

And I see too many smart, committed parents make the same avoidable mistakes during IEP meetings and school conversations.

That’s why I created this:

🎯 “10 Mistakes Parents Make When Advocating for Their Child” — a quick guide to help you sidestep common traps and stand confidently in your power.

✨ When you grab the guide, you’ll also unlock access to my exclusive Flash Sale, including discounted 1:1 Rescue Strategy Sessions for families navigating retention, graduation delays, and IEP struggles.

🔗 Click here to get the guide + early access to the flash sale

Quick Watch: What’s Happening with the Department of Education?

This week, things got real:

The plan? Transfer all “special needs” programs to the Department of Health and Human Services.→ That means the agency responsible for enforcing IEPs and protecting your child’s right to a Free Appropriate Public Education (FAPE) may no longer exist in its current form.
They’re warning this move could harm students with disabilities, delay services, and disrupt critical funding and oversight under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA).
This restructuring could shift responsibility for special education funding to states — which could lead to less money for schools, fewer services, and growing gaps for kids in underfunded districts.

This is not about politics.

This is about your child’s right to learn, grow, and thrive — with the support they legally deserve.

We’ll keep watching this closely. Next week’s issue will break down what parents can do right now to stay ahead.

💬 Final Note:

Don’t forget — even if they change the rules, you still have the power to advocate. And you don’t have to do it alone. I’m here walking this path with you.

— Genie Dawkins

Founder, The Parenting Cipher

Genie Dawkins