It’s important to remember that your child’s teacher is there to support her. If
you are concerned about something or just have a question, you should reach out
and make an appointment to speak with the teacher. Teachers might not be
available when you bring your child to school as they are starting their day and
need to attend to the entire class, but if you ask to make an appointment they will
make themselves available to meet with you. Even a phone call can help clear
things up. Don’t be shy!
Sometimes your kids homework may seem confusing. Children learn differently
today than we did as kids. If you have a question, reach out to your child’s
teacher and make an appointment to speak with her. If you have a good
understanding of your child’s work, you will be able to better support her.
Most people think that only a lawyer or an educational advocate can protect their
child’s rights. As a parent you can advocate for your child. It is important to
learn how. One of the reasons Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, IDEA,
was created was to give parents a voice in their childrens’ education.
All states have Parent Training and Information Centers (PTI). You can learn
about your child’s rights and how to advocate for him/her. You can find
information for Pennsylvania at, info@pealcenter.org, or by going to
Philadelphia also has a Community Parent Resource Center (CPRC), which offers
the support and training to parents of children with disabilities. In Philadelphia
the CPRC can be reached at contactus@huneinc.org or by going to
States and school districts have different rules about special education. If you
lived in one state and your child did not qualify for an IEP and then you moved to
another state or school district you should check again.
You have the right to ask your school to evaluate your child at any time. You DO
NOT first need a doctors evaluation. The school can help identify if your child
has a learning disability or attention issues.
You can ask for both an IEP and a 504 Plan Evaluation. You do not need to only
ask for one. Asking for both can help you and the school explore different options
available for your child.
Some people think that children with ADHD can not receive an IEP. Sometimes
ADHD can be covered under the “other health impairment” category in IDEA
and your child might qualify for an IEP.
Some people think that a 504 plan cannot include services. This is not true. A
504 plan can include school services. However, they may not be the same
services as those available in an IEP.
Special Education isn’t a place. Your child has the right to receive services in the
least restrictive environment. When it is possible your child should be in a
general education setting. Many schools offer a combination of services in an
inclusion classroom.
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