HISTORICAL FACTS: 7 - Caught on Camera

What to Know About IEP Details Parents Should Recheck Before the First Day of School

The first days of a new school year can be exciting, but they also bring understandable concerns for families of children with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs). Even when an IEP meeting ended on a positive note in the spring, it is worth reviewing the document before classes begin to ensure…

Kids Ain't Cheap · Aug 1

What Happens to Autism Accommodations When a Child Changes Schools?

Changing schools can be stressful for any family, but it often brings added uncertainty when a child with autism depends on classroom accommodations to succeed. Many parents worry that an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan will automatically transfer without interruption, only to discover the process is more nuanced.…

Kids Ain't Cheap · Aug 1

7 School Lunch Payment Fees Quietly Raising Parents’ Costs

Back-to-school shopping isn’t the only expense catching families off guard. Across the country, some parents are discovering that simply adding money to a child’s cafeteria account can come with extra costs that slowly add up over the school year. While many districts offer free ways to pay for school meals,…

Kids Ain't Cheap · Jul 31

7 Costs Parents Forget When Their Teen Gets a Job

Getting that first job is an exciting milestone, but it often comes with expenses families never expected. While a paycheck can help teens gain independence, parents frequently discover that earning money also means spending more money. From transportation to work clothes, the hidden costs can add up surprisingly fast before…

Kids Ain't Cheap · Jul 29

Early Intervention Services Parents Can Request Without Waiting for School

Many parents assume they have to wait until preschool or kindergarten before asking for developmental support, but that simply isn’t true. If you notice your child struggling with speech, movement, communication, or other developmental milestones, you can often request help long before the school system becomes involved. Taking action early…

Kids Ain't Cheap · Jul 28

6 Gaming Settings That Can Stop Surprise Kid Purchases

Parents often hand a gaming console, tablet, or smartphone to a child without thinking twice, only to discover unexpected charges later. In-game purchases have become a standard part of modern gaming, making it easy for kids to spend real money with just a few taps. While no single feature can…

Kids Ain't Cheap · Jul 28

6 Free Reading Resources for Children With Print Disabilities

Every child deserves the chance to experience the joy of reading, yet millions of children with print disabilities face barriers that make traditional books difficult or impossible to access. A print disability can include blindness, low vision, dyslexia, cerebral palsy, or other physical conditions that make holding or reading printed…

Kids Ain't Cheap · Jul 27

Free College-Prep Services Eligible Teenagers Can Get Through TRIO

For many families, preparing for college can feel overwhelming, especially when tutoring, test preparation, campus visits, and admissions counseling come with a hefty price tag. Fortunately, eligible students across the United States can access many of these services for free through TRIO programs. These federally funded initiatives help students overcome…

Kids Ain't Cheap · Jul 27

Back-to-School Costs Are Climbing Again: Which Expenses Do Parents Forget Until August?

As summer winds down, many families think the biggest back-to-school purchases are already behind them. Then August arrives, and a wave of overlooked expenses begins piling onto the budget. While backpacks, notebooks, and lunchboxes usually make the shopping list, several hidden costs often catch parents off guard. According to the…

Kids Ain't Cheap · Jul 26

Should Your Child Really Have a Smartphone Before School Starts?

As a new school year approaches, many parents face the same question: should they finally hand their child a smartphone? It can feel like everyone else’s child already has one, making it difficult to know whether waiting is the right decision. While smartphones offer convenience, they also introduce distractions, online…

Kids Ain't Cheap · Jul 26