Suggestions To Parents
- Keep
a phone log. Document all phone calls concerning to the education of
your child. Make sure you include the date, time, who you spoke to, and
the content of the phone call. Even document messages that you left or
that were left for you. This will especially come in handy if you run
into a problem, as you will be able to show the steps that you took to
rectify it.
- Document all meetings concerning
the education of your child. Be sure to include the date, time, who
attended the meeting, and the content of the meeting.
- Obtain
copies of all evaluation reports, the IEP or 504 Accommodation Plan.
Make sure that you understand them and that the IEP or 504
Accommodation Plan are implemented.
- Hold a
meeting at the beginning of each semester with your childs teachers,
guidance counselor, school nurse, and anyone else who has contact with
your child during the school day. Explain the disorders and how they
impact your child at school. Give them ASAP brochures, the website
address, and any other pertinent documentation. Brainstorm with school
personnel as to how to ensure that your childs physical, social,
emotional, and academic needs are met. Remember you all want the same
thing for your child; a positive school experience.
- If
you are new or feel uncomfortable with the special education/504
process, obtain a parent advocate. They can guide you through the
process and attend all meetings with you. Local agencies for the
disabled should be able to help you find an advocate.
Internet
Resources
Family & Advocates
Partnership for Education (FAPE)
http://www.fape.org
Policymaker Partnership
at the National Association of State Directors of Special
Education
http://www.ideapolicy.org/home.htm
US Department of
Education
http://www.ed.gov
Council for Exceptional
Children
http://www.cec.sped.org
Idea '97 (Archives)
http://www.ed.gov/offices/OSERS/IDEA
Learning Disabilities
Association of America
http://www.ldanatl.org
Children & Adults
with Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder
http://www.chadd.org
Organizations
Council for Exceptional Children
703-620-3660
Learning Disabilities Association of America
412-341-1515
National Parent Network on Disabilities
703-684-6763
National ADD Association
800-487-2282
National Information Center for Children & Youth with Disabilities
800-695-8285
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