If you have a child with special needs, you may feel like you need a degree in education just to navigate the special education system. You have to know your child’s rights. The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) is a federal law that guarantees your child a free and appropriate public education. You need to know what your child’s rights are under IDEA so that you can advocate for them. Here are five things all parents of children with special needs should know about navigating the education system.
You Are Not Alone
As the parent of a child with special needs, you might feel like you are the only one struggling to navigate the education system. However, you are not alone. There are millions of other parents in the same situation as you.
Support is Available
There is a lot of support available for parents of children with special needs navigating the special education system.
You can get help from other parents who have gone through the same experiences as you. There are also several great websites and organizations that can help you to understand the system more and to learn about your rights. Here are a few to get you started:
Center for Parent Information & Resources
IDEA – Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
You Know Your Child Best
When it comes to your child’s education, you know them best. You know their needs, their wants and what is going to work best for them. It is important to be their advocate and make sure that their voice is heard. Don’t be afraid to speak up for your child and fight for what they need.
Represent Your Child’s Interests
You also need to represent your child’s interests when dealing with schools, teachers, and other officials. For example, whenever a child is being bullied by his/her classmates, it’s important to address the matter with the school. Also, if your child did something nice for another classmate but didn’t get recognized for it, make sure the school knows about it and rewards your child accordingly.
Be prepared to fight for your child’s education – you know your child best!
Be an Advocate for Your Child
1. Know Your Child’s Rights
All children with special needs are entitled to a free and appropriate education. (FAPE) This means that schools must provide the necessary services and accommodations to ensure that your child can learn and succeed. Don’t be afraid to ask for what your child needs – the school should be working with you to create the best possible learning environment.
2. Understand the Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
Your child’s IEP is a legally binding document that outlines the specific services and accommodations that the school will provide. It is important to review the IEP regularly and make sure that it is being followed. If you have any concerns, don’t hesitate to reach out to the school.
3. Stay Organized
It can be helpful to keep track of all the notes and meetings you have had with the school on your child’s education. Perhaps you can find a method of organizing that works for you and your child. Maybe a calendar or a notebook can help you keep track of important dates and events. The more organized you are, the better advocate you can be for your child.
It’s important to be your child’s advocate. The education system can be overwhelming, so it’s okay to ask for help. Be ready to fight for your child’s rights and educate yourself on what accommodations they might need in order to make sure they’re getting the most out of their education. Don’t be afraid to have conversations with your child’s doctor or teachers when you suspect something is off. It’s important as a parent not only to focus on a child’s diagnosis, but also to remember that at the end of the day, you’ll always be their biggest advocate and fan no matter what. We can help too!
Ballou Education is here to ensure that you, your family, and all of your loved ones have the best quality education out there. We are ready to help today! Contact us at (602) 614-9002.
Takeaway: Parents of children with special needs should know that they are not alone in this journey. There are many support systems and resources available to help them navigate the special education system.