Advocating for your kids at school
As a parent, advocating for your child’s needs within the school system can be an empowering and necessary task. Whether your child has an Individualized Education Program (IEP), a 504 Plan, or doesn’t yet have formal accommodations in place, there are steps you can take to ensure your child’s educational experience is positive and supportive. Based on my own experiences advocating for my kids, I have some suggestions as we approach a new school year.
1. Understand Your Child’s Rights
Familiarize yourself with your child’s rights under federal laws such as the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act. These laws protect students with disabilities and ensure they receive the necessary accommodations to thrive in school. Understanding these rights will help you navigate discussions with school staff more confidently. It was helpful for us to understand what ages the requirements to qualify for an IEP change, and which category we needed to request for our son based on his specific diagnosis.
2. Get to Know the School Staff
Building relationships with your child’s teachers, special education staff, and school administration is crucial. Take the time to introduce yourself and engage in conversations about your child’s strengths and challenges. Creating a rapport can make communication more effective and foster a team mentality where everyone works together for your child’s success. In the Fall of each year, we provide our son’s teacher with a detailed letter outlining his diagnosis, helpful strategies, and what he responds well to. We understand that the IEPs and 504 Plans can feel quite formal, so providing the teacher with a snapshot of our son can be helpful.
3. Document Everything
Keep detailed records of your child’s progress, communications with school staff, and any events or incidents. Documenting this information provides valuable context when discussing your child’s needs and can help you identify patterns or recurring issues that may require attention. We have a notebook and file just for these notes and documents that we bring with us to each IEP meeting to ensure that we don’t miss anything.
4. Develop a Clear Communication Plan
Establish a preferred method for communication with school staff. Whether it’s through emails, an app, phone calls, or in-person meetings, having a clear line of communication can facilitate better understanding and collaboration. Be proactive in discussing your child’s educational experience and ensure everyone is on the same page regarding their needs. We found it helpful to give updates after a rough weekend, a visit with birth parents, or after any major event that could affect our son’s felt safety at school.
5. Advocate for an IEP or 504 Plan if Needed
If your child requires specialized support, you may want to consider advocating for an IEP or a 504 Plan. To do this: - **Request an Evaluation:** If you suspect your child has disabilities affecting their learning, formally request an evaluation from the school. You have the right to initiate this process. If you aren’t sure who to request this from, contact the secretary at your child’s school, and they can direct you to the right individual. **Gather Evidence:** Compile schoolwork, assessments, and feedback from teachers, professionals, therapists, and doctors that demonstrate your child’s challenges and needs. - **Participate Actively:** Attend meetings with a collaborative mindset. Be prepared to discuss your child’s needs and offer solutions or suggestions for accommodations. You know your child best!
6. Be Persistent and Patient
Advocating for your child may require persistence. Sometimes progress may feel slow, or you may encounter resistance. Stay focused on your child’s best interests, and remain patient as you work through challenges. Remember that change often takes time, and your continued advocacy is important.
7. Know When to Seek Help
If you feel that your advocacy efforts are not yielding the desired results, don’t hesitate to seek external support. This could include: - **IEP Advocate** Look for local or national support for parents of children with disabilities. They can provide resources and guidance. Check out THIS EPISODE of my podcast in which I interview Destiny Huff, an IEP Advocate- **Legal Support:** In serious situations where your child’s rights are not being upheld, consider consulting with a lawyer who specializes in education law.
8. Be Your Child’s Voice
Always prioritize open and honest communication with your child about their school experience. Encourage them to express their feelings and concerns about school. Being an active listener can empower your child to advocate for themselves in the future.
Advocating for your child at school is an ongoing journey that can make a significant impact on their educational experience. By understanding your child’s rights, building relationships with school staff, and persistently pursuing the necessary accommodations and support, you become a powerful ally in your child's educational journey. As I mentioned above, my interview with Destiny Huff, an IEP Advocate, can provide you with more information and suggestions. You can listen to that podcast episode HERE.