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Step 1
Parent Special Education Handbook: go to your school district office or their web site and get a copy of the handbook. Read it more than once to make sure you understand the various procedures. Take out your high lighter and highlight any areas that pertain to your rights as a parent. Get comfortable with the language, so that you can ask appropriate questions, and ask for the services you feel your child needs.
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Step 2
Advocacy: if you feel unable to advocate for your child, you might want to seek the services of a professional special education advocate. A professional advocate can usually be located by contacting your state Department of Education within Special Education Services. Some advocates function as consultants; thus, you will need to pay a fee for services.
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Step 3
Outside Evaluations: can be very helpful in advocating for services for your child. Often psychologist, occupational therapists, speech therapists and others conduct testing procedures that are not available to school personnel. The benefit in this is that they may identify information through their testing that the school staff was unable to identify. This information can assist the school team in developing a plan for your child. Sometimes, bringing in conflicting information about your child's condition may result in tension within the meeting. Stay the course and advocate for your child's needs. The team is required to consider all outside professional information that may improve your child's ability to learn!
