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In this Issue:
New School Year,
New Start
Dear Friends and Family Caregivers,
The start of the school year brings anticipation and excitement for many students—and sometimes a little relief for parents and caregivers! For students with disabilities and their families, excitement about new friends and a new classroom is often tempered with apprehension:
Will my child receive the accommodations she needs?
Will her new teacher understand my child's special needs?
Will my child continue to build on the success she achieved last year? In this newsletter, we offer tips for approaching the new school year to ensure a productive school year.
New School Year, New Start
Gather Your Child's School Records
It's helpful to keep copies of all school records: cumulative records, grades, progress reports, tardies/absences, special education records, health records, discipline records, and any others that may be kept by the district. You'll also want copies of any assessments your child has taken and your child's IEP/504 plan.
If you don't have a good set of records, write a letter to request "any and all" records, so that your files are up to date. In California, the school district must provide records to you within five business days. For those of you who don't live in California, check with your local Parent Training & Information Center.
Once you've received copies of your child's records, organize them by date. This will help you to see trends and identify which accommodations and strategies have worked for your child in the past.
When shopping for school supplies pick up a binder and anything that will help you to keep the records organized.
Contact Your Child's Case Manager Around the First Day of School
Confirm that your case manager has contacted all your child's new teachers about your child's disability, supports, and the accommodations your child needs to benefit from the teacher's instruction. This will pave the way for a smooth start to the school year.Provide Your Child's Teacher(s) with a "Quick Tips" Sheet
Make a one–page summary about your child's strengths and challenges, along with strategies that work for your child. You can include information about your child's disability or links to relevant websites. Include a note with your contact information, and ask that the teacher reach out to you anytime s/he has questions or concerns so that you can help.Be A Positive Presence
Develop a positive relationship with your child's teachers, specialists and school administrators. Don't call or visit school only when there is a problem. Let administrators and teachers know when your child is doing well and what she enjoys about school. If possible, consider becoming a classroom volunteer or participating in school activities. Teachers appreciate volunteering both in and out of the classroom. If you can't help during a field trip, offer to do prep work from home that can be returned later in the week. The better your relationship with your child's school, the more your child will enjoy school.Meet Up
You can request an IEP meeting at any time if you have concerns about your child's placement or services or other educational issues. Once you have requested an IEP meeting in writing, your child's school district has 30 calendar days to hold a meeting. You can download a sample letter to request an IEP meeting from our website.Additional Resources
Sample letter to request an assessment for a child who already has an IEP (DREDF)
A Parent's Guide: Communicating With Your Child's School Through Letter Writing (NICHCY)
17 Tips For Getting Quality Special Education Services for Your Child
The Paper Chase: Managing Your Child's Documents Under the IDEA
UPCOMING DREDF WORKSHOPS
REGISTRATION IS REQUIRED. SPACE IS LIMITED.Understanding the Special Education Process: IEP Basics & Beyond
FREE: An overview of the special education process, Section 504, and IDEA laws.
Date: Second Monday of the month (no trainings in August or December)
Next Offered: September 10, 2012
Time: 6:00 — 8:30 pm (Pizza and soft drinks included!)
Where: DREDF, Ed Roberts Campus, 3075 Adeline St, Berkeley, CA 94703 at Ashby BART
Classroom: The Bernard Osher Foundation Education Center, First Floor
To Register: Contact Annelise at (510) 644-2555 ext 5227 or mhourani@dredf.org
© 2012
Advocacy Tip of the Month:
Do Your Homework: Download
Special Education Rights & Responsibilities
by CASE & Disability Rights California
Acronyms:
Related Resources:
FAPE – Free Appropriate Public Education
IDEA – Individuals with Disabilities Education Act
IEP – Individualized Education Program
PTI – Parent Training and Information Center
PWN – Prior Written Notice
Related Links:
DREDF Special Education Training Materials
including Sample Letter to request Special Education Evaluation
Parent Training & Information (PTI) Center Directory
Special Education Publications / PACER Center
Special Education Publications / DRC
What is an IEP "Amendment?" (Special Ed Justice)
When the IEP Team Meets (NICHCY)
Combined Federal Campaign #11944
Support DREDF when you shop.
CONTACT DREDF:
info@dredf.org
www.dredf.org
3075 Adeline Street, Suite 210
Berkeley, CA 94703
510.644.2555 v
510-841-8645 fax/tty
800-348-4232
Government Affairs Office:
1825 K Street, NW, Suite 600
Washington DC 20006
800-348-4232