Kids With Special Needs

Shelley and Deb: Yes. Be a team player, and go in there with an attitude of "What do you need from me and from my child to help make this year successful?" Take an active role in teacher selection before the start of the school year--you know your child best, and it is especially important to find a good fit between your child and his teacher.

Ideally, you can begin communication early, even before school begins. Even if you know the information about your child's needs is the same as it was last year, repeat it again this year to be sure everyone is on the same page. Plan a system for communicating to use throughout the year--a notebook sent back and forth between school and home, calls from the teacher or other staff at the end of the week, notes, or whatever works for everyone involved.

If your child has high or unusual needs, and is not on a 504 Plan or Individualized Education Plan, also called IEP, consider asking the school if he qualifies. These tools plan and document a clear plan of action for meeting his special needs at school. For more information on these services or if you need help advocating for your child, call a parent training and information center in your area.