167 - Why Schools Must Stop Being Afraid of Inclusion with Jake Edgar

In this episode of The Inclusive Dad podcast, host AAron sits down with special education leader and advocate Jake Edgar to unpack what inclusion really looks like in practice. Drawing from nearly 15 years in self-contained classrooms, public schools, and residential behavioral settings, Jake shares why inclusion is a delicate balance—not too little support, not too much. Together, they explore the fears schools face around “getting it wrong,” why trying matters more than perfection, and how parents can confidently navigate the IEP process. This conversation offers practical wisdom, honest reflection, and clear encouragement for parents, educators, and advocates committed to doing inclusion better.

Key Takeaways:

Balanced Inclusion - Inclusion works best when students feel part of the group without being singled out by over- or under-support.

Try First - Schools must be willing to try inclusion options instead of assuming failure before giving students a chance.

IEP Understanding - Parents gain power by learning IEP language and asking questions—there are no dumb ones.

Ongoing Communication - Strong parent–teacher relationships are built through year-round communication, not one annual meeting.

Peers Matter - True inclusion is often driven by peers, not programs—belonging happens in everyday interactions.

Jake Edgar’s definition of inclusion:

Inclusion is making sure everyone feels like they belong with the group by finding the right amount of support and being willing to try, mess up and learn.

Jake Edgar’s Bio:

Jake Edgar is a special education leader and advocate dedicated to helping children and adolescents with disabilities reach their fullest potential. With experience across self-contained classrooms, inclusive public school settings, and residential care, he brings a well-rounded perspective to supporting diverse learners.

He serves as Director of Education at Springbrook Autism Behavioral Health, where he oversees educational programming for autistic students with behavioral and emotional needs, working closely with educators and clinical teams to support individualized growth. Jake is also the founder of the Carolina Special Education Advocacy Group, empowering families to navigate the IEP process and advocate confidently for their children. He hosts the All Abilities, No Filter podcast, amplifying real conversations around disability, inclusion, and education.

Connect with Jake Edgar:

Podcast Website: https://www.allabilitiesnofilter.com/
Work Website: https://springbrookbehavioral.com/

SPAM© Count:
Host:
Yes
Current Guest:
Yes
Cumulative Guest Stats:
Yes - 73
No - 92

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