School Year Kickoff!

We took the first day pictures, we wished them good luck, and they're off to a new year of learning and growing. The vibes are positive, but, as parents, we still have worries. Have we done enough to make sure our children are fully supported in their unique needs? Will we have the tools needed to help them if struggles arise?

Read on for 3 tips you can execute to advocate for your child this school year --

1. Remember those requests or agreements from the end of last school year? It never hurts to do a "check-in" email to verify that the school remembers the agreement and has put the structure in place to implement it. For example, your child's IEP team may have agreed at the end of 2nd grade that in 3rd grade she would need more tailored small group support in math. You can send an email to her teacher asking when math occurs in the day and whether she has access to small group support. You want to investigate the specifics of how they are implementing the support. If you have further questions or concerns, or do not get a clear answer, you can reach out to your child's IEP case manager (i.e., the special education teacher responsible for the IEP). Or, if questions remain after talking to the case manager, call an IEP team meeting to discuss support as a group.

   
   

2. For students who present anxiety or overwhelm in the school setting (or trouble getting to school at all), make early connections with the social work and counseling staff at your child's school. Yesterday, my youngest daughter had trouble getting to school in the morning. There were tears... third grade seems so hard! After a quick call to the school counselor, we are now set up with periodic counselor check-ins and a journal in the counselor's office for moments of overwhelm. I also recommend linking any outside therapy providers with your school counselor or social worker so they can share support strategies your child is practicing.

   
   

3. Lastly, take a look at your child's IEP or 504 Plan and mentally note when their annual meeting will be held. If the IEP is dated May 14, 2024, that means a scheduled meeting with teachers and the principal will not happen until the school year is essentially over. That may be a bit too late to make meaningful changes to help your child find success this year. Parents and guardians have the right to request an IEP or 504 meeting at any time, so long as a reasonable basis for the meeting is given. Some concerns can only truly be resolved with everyone around the table dedicating time to a discussion.

If you encounter school concerns and cannot get a resolution on your own, legal help is here. Rankin Legal can be reached at 412-212-8356 or aimee@rankinlegalpa.com.