How to Prepare a Child With Cerebral Palsy for School

Preparing a child with cerebral palsy for school can be an exciting, but stressful time. Although federal funds may be available for educational programs and assistive devices, there are steps that must be followed in order to receive benefits. With a little planning and preparation, your child can receive a quality education.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Prepare Your Child for School

1. Enroll children under the age of 3 in an Individualized Family Services Plan, or "IFSP." IFSP is an early intervention program that evaluates and addresses your child's special needs. An IFSP will also take into account the needs of the family and their role in your child's development.
2. Gear physical therapy more toward exercises that will prepare your child for activities such as sitting for long periods of time, writing and performing personal tasks independently.
3. Improve speech skills with the assistance of a speech therapist.
4. Investigate assistive technology options that can help your child communicate effectively in the classroom, such as voice synthesizers, computers and devices with pre-recorded messages.

Tap Federal Resources Regarding Public Education

5. Learn about the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, or "IDEA." In addition to requiring that all children, regardless of disability, receive a "free and appropriate public education," the federal government funds the Individual Education Program, or "IEP," which provides tailored educational plans and resources for children who qualify.
6. Have your child evaluated by a therapist, doctor or psychologist as he or she reaches school age. While cerebral palsy qualifies your child for IDEA protection, your child must qualify separately for IEP assistance. Evaluations include an IQ test and take into account physical limitations. Qualifying is a difficult process, but once awarded, IEP status will only be reviewed once every 3 years.
7. Investigate your options if your child does not qualify for IEP assistance. The Americans with Disabilities Act mandates a "504 Plan," that can provide assistance. If your child does not qualify for a 504 Plan, apply for Other Health Impaired, or "OHI," status.

Prepare a School Plan for a Child With Cerebral Palsy

8. Meet with educators at your child's school to discuss education plans for your child. The IDEA requires that you be included in all educational decisions regarding your child.
9. Meet with your child's IEP team, which will include an educator and any additional speech or occupational therapists. Your child may also attend the meetings.
10. Realize you and your child's IEP team will meet at least once a year to discuss goals and evaluate your child's progress.

Tips & Warnings

• Know that if your child's school requires testing for learning disabilities, they must pay for it.