INSANE: 9 | Rare Historical Photos

Child Abuse Prevention Law Expands “Mandated Reporter” Definition to Volunteers and Contractors

Schools rely on far more than teachers to keep children safe. Volunteers, coaches, contractors, and school board members often spend significant time interacting with students, making them uniquely positioned to notice when something may be wrong. California’s Senate Bill 848 (SB 848), which took effect in phases beginning January 1,…

Kids Ain't Cheap · Jul 5

Teachers Warn: 4 Classroom Strategies That Can Harm Autistic Students

Every classroom includes students with different learning styles, but autistic students often face unique challenges that can be made worse by well-intentioned teaching methods. While many educators work hard to create inclusive learning environments, some traditional classroom practices can unintentionally increase anxiety, reduce engagement, or make learning more difficult. Autism…

Kids Ain't Cheap · Jul 4

Student ID Cards Must Now List the Trevor Project Hotline – A Lifeline for LGBTQ Youth

Across California, a small change to student ID cards could have a meaningful impact on young lives. Beginning July 1, 2026, public middle schools, high schools, and public colleges are required to print The Trevor Project’s crisis hotline information alongside other mental health resources on student identification cards. The goal…

Kids Ain't Cheap · Jul 4

5 Signs Your Child’s School Is Struggling With Special Ed Compliance

Parents trust schools to provide every child with the support they need to succeed, especially students with disabilities. While most educators work hard to meet those expectations, some schools struggle to keep up with special education compliance requirements. These challenges can affect everything from classroom accommodations to communication with families,…

Kids Ain't Cheap · Jul 1

All-Gender Restrooms Are Now Required in K-12 Schools – What Parents Should Know

Parents across California are seeing a significant change on school campuses as a new restroom requirement officially takes effect. Beginning July 1, 2026, every qualifying K-12 public school campus must provide at least one all-gender restroom for voluntary student use under Senate Bill 760. The law is intended to improve…

Kids Ain't Cheap · Jul 1

Behavior IEPs: 7 Limits Parents Often Don’t Realize Exist

When parents first hear that their child will receive a Behavior IEP or Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP), many assume it guarantees every behavioral challenge will be addressed immediately. In reality, behavior IEPs are powerful legal tools, but they also operate within clear limits established by the Individuals with Disabilities Education…

Kids Ain't Cheap · Jun 30

How State Budget Changes Are Impacting Autism Support in Classrooms

More than 7.5 million students nationwide receive special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), including many children with autism spectrum disorder. Because special education depends on a mix of federal, state, and local funding, budget decisions at every level can directly affect staffing, evaluations, and classroom…

Kids Ain't Cheap · Jun 30

7 Questions to Ask Before Signing a 504 Plan

Parents often feel relieved when a school recommends a 504 plan, but signing the paperwork without asking questions can create confusion later. A 504 plan is designed to provide accommodations that help students with disabilities access the same educational opportunities as their peers. While the process is intended to support…

Kids Ain't Cheap · Jun 29

How State Rules Affect the Enforcement of 504 Accommodations

Parents are often surprised to learn that while Section 504 is a federal law, the way schools implement and enforce 504 accommodations can vary from state to state. That difference can affect how quickly students receive support, how complaints are handled, and what additional protections are available. Understanding these differences…

Kids Ain't Cheap · Jun 29

The Code Words Schools Use When Denying Services

Parents often leave school meetings feeling confused rather than informed because the language used can sound supportive while revealing very little. Many educators work hard to help students, but school districts also operate within staffing, budget, and legal constraints that influence these conversations. Learning to recognize common code words doesn’t…

Kids Ain't Cheap · Jun 28