Learning about special education law can feel tricky. If your child has a specific learning disability, it’s essential to understand how the school and the law can help.

The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) gives families and schools guidelines for making sure children with learning disabilities get all they need. School-aged children could face a variety of issues, including dyslexia, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, intellectual disability, neurodevelopmental disorders, auditory processing disorder, autism spectrum disorder, language disorder, or mental health issues. These and other impairments can affect every part of a child’s life from  math problems to  healthcare. It can also impact self-esteem and everyday activities.

As parents, teachers, and school administrators work together, every child can get the help they need. This blog will show you how to make sure your child gets the best education possible. To do that, we will explore the following:

• Understanding Special Education Law
• Getting Started with Evaluations
• Understanding Test Results and Important Papers
• Understanding the Individual Education Program (IEP)
• Making Sure Your Child Gets the Right Help
• Success Stories and How You Can Be a Success Story Too

Photo by Ron Lach : https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-woman-in-white-blazer-talking-to-her-student-8540373/ 

Understanding Special Education Law

When you’re dealing with special education rules, it’s important to understand the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). This law is important because it helps make sure that kids with a specific learning disorder get the education they need.

IDEA is designed to make sure they get a good education. This includes having a special plan just for them called an Individualized Education Program (IEP). This plan is made specifically for your child to help them with their learning.

Getting Started with Evaluations

There can be many ways for you to become aware that your child is experiencing learning challenges and needs help with their schoolwork. You may notice the issue yourself. Concerns may also be raised by your child’s teacher, pediatrician, health professionals, or others.

When you suspect that your child may need special education services, your first step is to ask the school for a special evaluation. You will need to write a letter to the school asking for this testing. 

Here is an example of the type of letter you will need to write: 

[Your Address]

[City, State, Zip Code]

[Your Email Address]

[Date]

Dear [School Administrator/Teacher],

I am [Your Name], and I’m writing to talk about my child, [Student’s Name], who’s in [Grade Number] grade at [Name of School]. I’m worried that [Student’s Name] might be having trouble in school because of a learning disability.

This letter is my official request for the school to do a full evaluation on [Student’s Name] to see if [he/she] might qualify for special education support under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act. This evaluation needs to look at everything about [Student’s Name] ‘s learning, and any problems [he/she] might be having.

I hope to hear from you soon. You can reach me during the day at [Your Phone Number] or by email at [Your Email Address].

Thanks for your attention to my request.

Sincerely,

[Your Name]

Understanding Test Results and Important Papers

Once the school finishes the evaluation, they will share the results with you. They will talk about whether your child needs extra help. This may include a plan designed for them called an Individualized Education Program (IEP). If your child needs an IEP, you’ll work with the school to make a plan that fits them well. 

You should also read important papers like the Notice of Procedural Safeguards. This paper explains what you and your child can do under (IDEA). When you understand the test results and know about important papers, you can speak up for your child’s education and make sure they get what they need.

Understanding the IEP

The Individualized Education Program (IEP) is a special plan that helps kids with learning differences or disabilities do their best in school. Let’s explore what an IEP is and how it helps build your child’s academic skills.

What is an IEP?

An IEP is like a roadmap for a student’s education. It’s made just for them and outlines the support and services they need to learn well. The IEP is created by a team of people, including teachers, parents, and sometimes even the students themselves.

What’s Inside an IEP?

Inside an IEP, there are a few important things:

• Goals: These are the things the student needs to achieve, like improving reading or math skills.
• Services and Support: This includes things like extra help from a teacher or special tools, like a computer program that can help.
• Accommodations: These are changes to help the student learn better, like sitting closer to the teacher or having more time on tests.

How Does an IEP Help?

Having an IEP can make a big difference for students in the following ways:

• It helps teachers understand how to best support the student in class.
• It ensures that the student gets the extra help and tools they need to succeed.
• It gives students a clear plan to follow and goals to work towards.

Who is Involved in Making an IEP?

The IEP team is made up of different people who care about the student’s education. This includes parents, teachers, special education staff, and sometimes the students themselves. Together, they create a plan that meets the student’s unique needs.

What to expect in an IEP meeting

According to the article How to Have a Successful IEP Meeting published by the Harvard Graduate School of Education, there is a four-step process to a successful IEP meeting:

Setting Up the Meeting

Your child’s teacher will contact you as the parent to discuss when the meeting can be scheduled. Make sure you understand where the meeting will take place, who will be in that meeting, and if there is anything you need to do to prepare. 

Planning the Meeting

Before the meeting, think about any questions you want to ask the teacher or school administrators. Be prepared to discuss any ideas you may have that could help your child. Also, the school will prepare ideas, so be prepared to listen to what they have to say. 

During the Meeting

When you are in the IEP meeting, make sure you understand what the school officials are saying. If you have any difficulty understanding, don’t be afraid to ask questions to help you process information. Also, share your own thoughts. 

Following Up

Once the plan is in place, stay in touch with your child’s teacher. Stay updated on your child’s progress and attend all follow-up meetings that will be scheduled. Regulations require one check-in each year, but there could be more if necessary. 

Making Sure Your Child Gets the Right Help

If you see any learning problems or things that worry you, don’t be afraid to get in touch with your child’s teacher. You have the right to speak up to help your child and raise concerns about their academic achievement. You can start by talking to the school about any issues.

By staying involved and speaking up for your child, you can make sure they get the help they need to do well in school. Your opinion matters, and together with the school, you can make sure your child gets the best education possible.

From One Who Knows: A Personal Success Story

Kierra A. Edwards is the founder and CEO of Unique Families Journey Foundation. Her personal experience drives her passion for helping families. She knows how tough it is to be a child with learning difficulties. Her early years were marked by her parents’ contentious divorce and a lack of emotional support. That meant her struggles with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) went undiagnosed, and she didn’t get the proper help. 

Her journey took a transformative turn when she was finally diagnosed. It explained years of academic and personal struggles. Things were different with her own children. She was inspired by the support she received with her daughter and the early intervention for her son. `

Today, she uses that firsthand experience to empower other parents to advocate for their children. She has become a superhero for her children and for many other families because she is there to help children get the help they need. 

You’re Family Can Be a Success Story Too

At Unique Families Journey, we are dedicated to equipping children and families with special needs through education, advocacy, and empowerment.

Let us help your family become a success story, too. Schedule a free phone consultation to learn how we can help with your unique family journey. (ADD LINK WHEN AVAILABLE)

You can also assist us in helping families like yours by donating as you are able. Together, we can increase our impact and make a real difference. (ADD LINK WHEN AVAILABLE)

We believe that every person deserves to live a meaningful and fruitful life. Contact us today to find the help you need.

The information provided by Unique Families Journey Foundation, Inc. on our website and through our services is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not intended as legal advice. We make no claims, promises, or guarantees about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information contained or linked to. Always seek the advice of a qualified professional with any questions you may have regarding a legal matter.