If you have a child that is challenged by learning or attention disorders, you are one of their best tools for success.You can learn how to improve your child's learning environment if you are a parent advocate.It's important to know about the legal rights of children with learning or attention disorders.
Step 1: You can take an online course about special education law.
Special education laws, programs, and resources can be found at local community colleges.You can enroll in one of these or take a class online.Certification may be offered by some programs while others are simply informative.You can check around to find a program that works for you.If you don't have time to attend an entire program, you may be able to find a short seminar that will give you an overview of special education laws.
Step 2: You can learn about the Americans with Disabilities Act.
You don't have to have a background in legal studies to become a parent advocate.The ADA protects anyone with a disability from being discriminated against in public places such as restaurants or parks.If your child is involved in extracurricular activities outside of school, they are protected from discrimination.
Step 3: TheIDEA is the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act.
If your child has a disability that requires them to get special education to succeed in school, then they will qualify for services under IDEA.You'll work with the school to create an Individualized Education Plan for your child after an evaluation and meeting eligibility requirements.In order for schools to provide special education services, they must be free.
Step 4: Understand the importance of the Individualized Education Plan.
There is an agreement with your child's school about their education.Your child will interact with services and programs outlined in this document.You'll be involved in tailoring it to your child and reexamining whether certain aspects of the plan are working out.Children as young as 3 years old can get an Individualized Education Program.
Step 5: Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act has benefits.
Another piece of civil rights legislation is designed to prevent discrimination on the basis of disability.You can discuss a 504 plan for your child instead of designing a written learning plan.The plan can give you an idea of what the school will offer.A child who might not qualify for special education but still needs support and services from school is often the subject of a 504 plan.
Step 6: If you need additional help, hire a special needs lawyer or advocate.
It is easy to feel overwhelmed by the legal aspects of your child's education.If your child's school won't evaluate them for a disability, you should consider hiring someone who is trained in special education law.Individualized Education Program is not created by your child's school.The school does not want to help because they do not have enough money.Even though your child has an Individualized Education Program, they are still struggling to succeed.There is a suspension or expulsion at the school.
Step 7: Evaluations and educational plans should be in one place.
You can keep an educational folder if you feel like you're surrounded by paperwork.Your child's evaluations, recommendation, short biography, and information about their diagnosis and treatment should be kept in a safe place.The director of your child's support staff can easily get all the information they need from you.Take a picture of your child and put it in the folder.The support staff will be reminded that your child is more than the data in the folder.
Step 8: You can learn to read your child's document.
Once your child's evaluation shows that they qualify for specialized programs, the school will put together a support team that will draft a plan for you.Student information and the team present level of educational performance which includes skills, challenges, behaviors, etc. will be included in the basic parts of the IEP.Annual goals and objectives for meeting the goals Program reporting that tells how the team will communicate with you Services that may include therapy, individual instruction, or summer programs Supplementary aids and services such as accommodations and assistive technology Participation which outlines how your child will be included in the general education of the classroom
Step 9: Attend meetings with your child's team.
You'll meet with your child's team to go over the plan for their education.The goals and objectives of the plan will be reviewed at least once a year after that.Your child's strengths and weaknesses in the classroom, progress towards goals, and the effectiveness of the services your child is getting will be discussed at the meeting.If the plan isn't working, work with the team to revise it.If your child isn't meeting an educational objective, you may want to add a support service to help them.Get to know your school's psychologist.They can be a great place to get information about your child's needs.
Step 10: If you need more help, hire an advocate.
Don't hesitate to ask for help if you still feel challenged by the meetings with support staff.If someone on the school's support staff can help you, ask other parents to refer the advocate.Talk to the advocate about your child's situation, your educational goals, and if they would be a good fit.A lot of advocates will do a free consultation.You will need to talk about how much they charge for certain services.
Step 11: A strong voice is needed for your child.
Don't feel like you have no say in your child's education.As a parent advocate, you should speak up and say what you think is best for your child.While being respectful of the staff's abilities, try to be direct and specific.Instead of saying, "My child has to have accommodations when taking tests," I'd like for my child to be given more time to take tests.If your child isn't catching up in class, consider getting additional tutoring.Your child's chances of success will be better if you intervene earlier.
Step 12: Tell the truth about your challenges and concerns.
It's easy to think that you should have all the answers and strength to manage the education of your child, but you need to let people know when they need help.Talk to your child's support team about any difficulties you're going through and any struggles you may be having with their education plan.If you don't admit that your child is having trouble with school, the support staff will not be able to help them.
Step 13: When your child is doing well, reach out to the staff.
Let the support staff know what is working.The support staff can be encouraged by this communication.You don't need a meeting to discuss these successes.The staff should be thanked for their commitment to your child.
Step 14: You can help at your child's school.
You can show your commitment to your child's education by working in the classroom.You will be showing your child that you are interested in their learning experience.Find out if other classes need help if your child's classroom doesn't need a volunteer.When your child gets to that grade, volunteering in a different grade can help.
Step 15: If you think the school isn't following the ADA, file a complaint.
Hire a special education lawyer or advocate if you want to file a complaint.Write your complaint and send it to the U.S. Department of Education.If you think a camp is violating the ADA, contact the U.S. Department of Justice.