Frustrated Parents:

I get so many calls asking what they need to do with their special needs child, at school.  They are constantly telling me that the schools won’t do what they need to and their child’s not getting any appropriate services.  Here is what I have found when working with my special needs son.

 

Educating Staff:

Be well informed of your child’s condition, learn the special education laws and note taking.  Be sure to document everything that is said.  You never know what you’re going to have to recall later on and it’s better to have it written then your memory. Here are some tips on becoming an effective advocate for your child.

1. The first and most important thing you need to do is keep open communication with teachers and other school staff.

2. I can’t stress to you how important it is to learn special education laws.  In almost every state there is a parent’s advocacy program.  Many times they do free workshops as well as offer other local resources.  Go the workshops!  You won’t believe what you will learn.  I have been going to the same workshops for 14 years now and each time I learn something new.  There are a few websites that can help with teaching you to advocate for your child.  The one that sticks out as the most helpful is www.wrightslaw.com as well as PACER’s website. The Wrights have several books out and they are each great to help you along the way.

3. TAKE NOTES, I know I mentioned it earlier but that’s your best defense in getting what your child needs.  When someone who works with your child calls or makes home visits be sure to first document that was said and done.  If you talked to the teacher for any reason document it.  I like e-mail because you actually have proof of your child’s progress.

4. Don’t be afraid to take the meetings.  Be sure to let the school know before so if they want to tape it they will have adequate notice.  Most of the time they are very cooperative and accommodating. 

I can’t stress enough that if you keep up with who said what you will remain focused.  Document all e-mails, phone calls, personal visits to the school and notes sent home from teacher.

Have you found anything better? Please share:

Hope you have found something in this article useful.  You will have to do the ground work because most of the time even teachers who are certified in Special Education.  They have to give the experts, “parents” all information they are using to make recommendations for the child.

Dealing with your special needs child's in the public school system.

Remain calm and positive.  Nothing ever come from losing your temper.  Most of the time the school is trying to help not hinder but I have found they many times have no idea what the laws are.  Even though they aren’t allowed to say they can’t provide the services because of the low funding but money does many times.  They are prohibited to use money as a reason a child isn’t getting the services the child needs.  Let’s be realistic money drives our education system and it’s not fair for the ones who have special needs.