(English/Spanish)
Equip Your Bilingual Paraeducators to Interpret IEP Meetings with Confidence
A Self-Paced, Scalable Solution for Districts Facing Staff Turnover and Limited Training Resources
IEP meetings are legally binding, emotionally charged, and full of highly technical language. Yet many bilingual paraeducators are asked to interpret them with little or no training, putting your district at risk of miscommunication, compliance issues, and unintentional inequity for families.
This self-paced online course is designed specifically for English-Spanish paraeducators and focuses on the unique demands of interpreting IEP meetings—something most interpreting programs don’t address.
Interpreting IEP Meetings (English/Spanish)
This self-paced course equips bilingual paraeducators with the tools to confidently and accurately interpret IEP meetings. Learn the basics: the difference between interpreting and translating, key K–12 language access laws, and why specialized training matters. Understand how students get to an Initial IEP and the types of IEPs. Learn how to request documents, conduct a pre-session, and support teams in working more effectively with interpreters. Build skills to avoid false cognates, say it clearly in Spanish, interpret acronyms, and use the right register and context.
Practice the three modes, simultaneous, consecutive, and sight translation, with real IEP vocabulary and forms, including meeting notes and goals. Wrap up with professional standards and best practices for interpreting on Zoom. Gain the confidence and tools you need to interpret IEPs professionally and ethically.
Plus, bundle with our best selling Special Education Plus glossary for further savings.
Why This Training Matters for Your District
Fills a critical training gap
Most interpreter programs focus on medical or legal settings, not education or special education.
Protects your district legally
Paraeducators learn the implications of interpreting in legally binding settings, such as IEPs.
Supports equity and access
Interpreters are often the bridge between families and services, give them the tools to do it right.
Ideal for districts with high turnover
No need to wait for a large group. New hires can start training immediately.
Cost-effective and flexible
Avoid the expense and logistical challenges of coordinating in-person training.
Empower Your Team, Without the Scheduling Hassles
Whether your district is small and understaffed or large and struggling with turnover, this self-paced training provides every bilingual paraeducator with the tools to accurately, confidently, and professionally interpret IEP meetings.
Ready-to-launch.
Accessible anytime.
Created by an educator, former district translator (+15 years), and Interpreting IEP Meetings (English/Spanish) trainer with 20+ years of K–12 interpreting experience.
Give your paraeducators the training they need, when they need it.
What Clients Have to Say
Bundle & SavE
Buy our course bundle featuring our best selling Special Education Plus glossary, the most comprehensive English/Spanish Educational Terms Glossary, co-authored by an experienced district translator and a PhD in Translation candidate. Hard copy is mailed directly to your district post-purchase.
About Your Trainer
Hello everyone, I’m Leslie Padilla-Williams, and I’m honored to help you develop the skills and confidence you need to interpret IEP meetings effectively. Early in my career, despite possessing strong English and Spanish skills, I realized that interpreting IEPs requires specialized training—something many school districts don’t provide. My first high-profile IEP meeting opened my eyes when I heard, “Your EL student will be placed in an SDC classroom and receive RSP pullout,” and I thought, ¿Que qué?
That moment inspired me to receive formal training in translation and interpreting, and to earn my California Adult Education Teaching Credential. I founded HOLA Language Services to train thousands of paraeducators like you to deliver meaningful language access to families.
Originally from Guatemala City, I hold a Bachelor’s in Legal and Social Sciences, a Professional Translation Certificate from UCSD Extension, and I’m certified as a Professional Interpreter in Special Education through the University of Georgia. The California Department of Education recognizes my work, and I’m proud to have co-authored the Special Education Plus glossary to help clarify technical terms.
It’s been an honor to receive awards like Teacher of the Year by the San Diego Union-Tribune’s Latino Champions and the Outstanding Latina Entrepreneur Award from the U.S. Hispanic Chamber of Commerce.
Most of all, I’m passionate about creating spaces where bilingual professionals feel seen, supported, and prepared. I’m here for you, and I look forward to learning together!
Frequently Asked Questions
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Participants have 60 continuous days to complete the course.
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Yes! A certificate of completion is provided and can also be emailed to HR upon request.
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Yes. Please email us to request a Purchase Order.
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No. Currently, the U.S. does not offer a formal certification for educational interpreters. However, this course prepares participants to be ready when a certification becomes available.
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The bundle includes a course license and a copy of the Special Education Plus glossary book.
Get immediate access or reach out for a Purchase order
Interpreting IEP Meetings (English/Spanish)
$350/person
Bundle: $400/person
14 modules
X training videos
X exercises
Certificate of completion
14 modules
X training videos
X exercises
Certificate of completion
To sign up with a purchase order, please email us directly.