If I had a penny for every time a parent said to me: “I trusted the school” or “I didn’t know.”
Parents cannot rely on the school alone to protect their children and provide what they need for their education. Teachers are overworked, underpaid, and often do not have the training to recognize when a child needs special education. School districts are desperately trying to manage their resources on a dwindling budget. A school’s lack of resources or knowledge may be at odds with the needs of your child. A recent study reported in the LA Times showed that “warrior” parents who advocated for their children received better services. Your child deserves that too. When you have a child with special needs, you need to be organized, know your rights, and be an advocate. Our special education lawyers can help.
Here are some tips to help you:
1. Be A Good Historian
Put everything in writing, use emails instead of phone calls, record IEP meetings, and keep a chronological log of your actions (date, who, what happened).
2. Keep Organized Records
Use a 3-ring binder for everything from the school (cum file, correspondence), the doctors and therapists (reports, receipts, correspondence), your observations and concerns.
3. Educate Yourself
Speak to other parents, join organizations specific to your child’s disability, get on list serves, go to parent trainings, read books, research the web, talk to your pediatrician.
4. Check Your Health Insurance Benefits
Many services are covered. Supplement school services because the district does not have to provide the best for your child, but you should.
5. Be an Active Participant
Be an active participant and advocate for your child. You will get better results.
6. Stay Professional
Even when you are emotional. If you can’t stay professional, hire one.
7. Ask Questions
Lots of questions. Insist on answers.
8. Don’t Assume the School Is Right
You know your child better than anyone.
9. Listen
You may learn something. You have one child, the school deals with thousands.
10. If in Doubt get a second opinion and ask for help.
So remember…
Educate yourself. Don’t assume others know or care what is best for your child.
Participate in your child’s education plan. You are an integral part of the team.
Advocate. No one cares more about your child than you.
If you have any other questions, please contact us through our contact form here.
*This information is provided for educational purposes and to provide the reader with a general understanding of the basic rights afforded to parents/children under IDEA, not to provide specific legal advice. No attorney client relationship between the reader and Moore Law for Children is created. This information should not be used as a substitute for legal advice as it relates to the specific facts of your or your child’s circumstances or case.
