Tips for Parents on Special Education Services
Getting Learning Disability Needs Met with an IEP or 504
Aug 9, 2009
Parents of children with learning disabilities receiving special education services are often overwhelmed by the complexities of the special education system and dealing with the daily challenges their child faces. There are however, many tips parents can implement to assist in achieving a positive educational outcome while at the same time preserving a cooperative working relationship with the child's school.
First, always remember that a parent is a child's most effective and best advocate! No one knows a child and his or her learning disability better than a parent who has the most invested in his or her future.
Organizing IEP or 504 Documentation is Key
Organization is essential to advocating for a child effectively! Create a chronological organizational system that makes documents, medical records and correspondence easy to locate. Large binders with tabs work great. Be sure to document every conversation, telephone call and all meeting details. Keep a notebook with the name, date and content of the conversation.
Understand the Learning Disability
Becoming educated on a child's learning disability, medical condition and learning style are essential to effectively communicating the child's needs. Once educated, it is important to establish positive and cooperative lines of communication with teachers and school district personnel. Always try to maintain a friendly relationship with those who work with the child. Keep in mind that it is possible to disagree without arguing and being disagreeable!
Be Prepared for IEP, 504 and All School Meetings
- Go to all school, 504 or IEP meetings prepared.
- Know all rights afforded by law. There are online sources such as Wrightslaw that provide information on special education laws.
- Review existing information, reports and records. Compare previous IEP's or 504's. Compile lists of questions, issues, areas of needs and child's strengths.
- At meetings always remain calm and stay focused. Be prepared for differing opinions. If the meeting becomes heated, agree to disagree and try to move on. Disagreements can be addressed through various dispute resolution options. If necessary, take a break or adjourn the meeting, as little will be accomplished once it becomes adversarial.
- Do not hesitate to stop a meeting to ask questions or for clarification of terminology.
- Consider taking a Special Education Advocate to meetings. An education advocate can facilitate the IEP/504 process so that parents feel like an equal part of the educational team.
Document Meetings and Calls With the Special Education Department
Follow up in writing or email the content of all conversations and meetings with the school's Special Education Department. Lay out the facts clearly and concisely, ask for what is wanted, avoid accusing, and keep in mind that others should be able to read this letter without background information on the child and the disability.
Never Sign an IEP or 504 Without Reading It
Read every document requiring a signature closely. Do not sign any documents if there is a disagreement on the content without indicating in writing, on the document itself, what is being disagreed with.
Be Willing to Compromise With the Special Education Department
Finally, be realistic and choose which battles are worth fighting for. Chances are that parents will not necessarily get everything they want. Be willing to compromise. Know what are "deal breakers" that not up for compromise. Consider that the school may not proceed in the manner desired and remember that sometimes it is important to step back and look at the bigger picture.
By following these simple tips, parents of children with learning disabilities will be empowered and prepared to navigate the special education system effectively. Achieving a positive educational outcome that meets a child's needs is the most important goal despite the inevitable bumps in the road and detours.
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