How to Advocate for Your Special Ed Child

When your child needs some type of special education service, you need to be your child's advocate. Special education laws are complex, and it can be intimidating dealing with school psychologists and faculty. With these steps, you can learn how to make sure your special-needs child receives the services that she needs.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Request a meeting with the school. If there is an issue with the child, often the school will call and request for a meeting. The principal, special educator, classroom teachers and classroom aides should be present. You should bring somebody with you to take notes so that you are free to discuss things.
2. Be informed of which types of plans are available. Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) provide accommodations with the most legal standings. Both 504 and 157 plans provide accommodations and services as well.
3. Get everything in writing. If there ever is a problem between you and the school, you must be able to go back to previous paperwork. Schools save every piece of information that they have about a student, and you should do the same.
4. Avoid being confrontational with school personnel. Many of them work long hours for low pay and less respect. Don't remind them that you pay their salary. Things will get done faster and easier if you realize that you all want what's best for the child.
5. Make the school's job easier by keeping them informed of changes that you see in the child. Send in writing any changes in medication or special accommodations that have been made. Email or call the special educator or contact person to report behavior issues or when the child is sick or having a real bad morning.