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DOs & DON’Ts With Your Child’s School
By Laurie Estep
in North Carolina
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Do know your child’s rights. Do not take for granted that your local school system will provide this information. If you don’t know… then find out!
Do learn about funding. School systems receive federal money to provide our children with a free and appropriate education. I went to my school and requested a copy of the budget for exceptional children.
Don’t let your school system place your child in already existing services if that setting does not fit your child’s needs. Remember, the services should fit your child…not your child fit existing services.
Don’t accept lack of staffing. If the school system states they cannot provide your child with services such as occupational therapy, physical therapy or speech therapy because they have staffing problems, that does not release them from their responsibility to provide these services if your child needs them. Make them contract with an outside agency for these therapies at their cost.
Do know the process. Ask about time limits for the identification, development and implementation of the IEP.
Do know key people in your local school system. Who is the school based chairperson? Who is the exceptional children’s coordinator assigned to your child’s school? Who is the director of exceptional children’s services? Know these people and make sure they know you and your child.
Do learn who the real decision makers are in your local school system. Learn who will help you expedite things. Don’t waste too much time with people who won’t make decisions or who don’t have the authority to make decisions.
Do document in writing your discussion and conversations when talking with representatives from the school system. I do not recommend trying to resolve important situations or problems by phone, but if you must, make sure you follow up with a letter to that person and outline what information you were given.
Do keep a log in a notebook or on a computer as events occur, including dates, persons, meetings, etc. This is very helpful if you need to bring in an advocate or if you must pursue legal action.
Do audiotape your special education team meetings. Don’t record over them… be sure to keep them.
Do give the school system representatives definite but reasonable time limits. Don’t leave things open ended on when they can get back to you on issues or with decisions.
Do always remember…You are a very vital part of the team as you know your child’s strengths and weaknesses better than most. You are a member of the team, not just an observer. This means you should be actively involved in writing and updating your child’s educational plan (IEP). It is not supposed to be written and then just presented to you for your information and signature.
Do bring someone with you. If you don’t feel that you can take an active and, when necessary, aggressive role in educational team meetings – then bring someone with you who can. You have that right.
Don’t sign the IEP if you do not agree with it! Continue to pursue the issues and remember that you can request additional meetings to improve the IEP.
Do bring in an advocate for mediation, and if necessary, litigation, if you find that you just aren’t getting anywhere with your local school system.
Do network with other parents of exceptional children who are actively involved with the school. Compare situations. Offer what was done for your child and find out what was done for other children. Remember, there is strength in numbers!
Do stay involved. Once the IEP is approved and placement is made, ask questions and, if necessary, observe your child at school. Make sure the IEP is being fully implemented.
For more information on the rights of parents and the special education process, go to the National Center for Information on Children and Youth with Disabilities at www.nichcy.org or telephone 1-800-695-0285. Ask for a Publications Catalog.
This material is provided by:
Lash & Associates Publishing Training Inc.
708 Young Forest Drive, Wake Forest NC 27587
Tel: (919) 562-0015 www.lapublishing.com
