The school year has already begun in schools near me, and won’t start for another month in some other schools around the country.  Whenever you are starting school, I want you to keep in mind a few things toward the start of the year.  These are some ways to help ensure this is a year of success and progress for your child, and not another lost year.

• Stay in frequent contact with all general education and special education teachers working with your kiddo, as well as any other service providers (Speech, OT, counseling, etc)
• Be sure that everyone is very familiar with your child’s needs and accommodations and be sure that they are actually implementing them, not forcing your child to be the one to ask for the accommodation before it is provided!
• Monitor your child’s progress and ensure IEP goals are being worked on, are still appropriate, and progress is being made.
• Be friendly, be approachable, be firm.  The goal is for the school’s IEP team members to treat you like they would a close friend or family member, providing the best for your kiddo; not taking advantage of you, and not keeping you in the dark out of fear.