Many families of children with learning and behavioral challenges take a sigh of relief on the last day of school in the spring. The struggles with school issues are on hold. When families are at odds with a school district, those struggles can be extremely stressful, and a break is very welcome. Families can use the summer to gather needed resources and supports to help make their child’s school experience happy and successful.

7 Things to Do Before Your Child’s Next School Year

  • Read Education Law Center’s (ELC) The Right to Special Education In Pennsylvania: A Guide for Parents and Advocates (2009 edition) available online for no cost at www.elc-pa.org or by mail for $20 (215-238-6970).
  • Review your child’s current accommodation/instruction plan and consider if anything needs changing before the beginning of school. If your child has a disability that requires accommodation or services in school, they must have one of these plans:
  • IEP (ELC’s Guide at page 31)
  • Section 504 Plan (ELC’s Guide at page 18)
  • Request an Independent Education Evaluation (IEE) at the school’s expense, if you disagree with their assessment. (ELC’s Guide at page 26) for complete information on IEEs.
  • Call a Special Education advocate or advisor to discuss what worked and did not work in your child’s program last year, and your child’s rights.
  • List of the 30 PA county funded Family Advocacy Projects
  • Parent Education& Advocacy Leadership Center- www.pealcenter.org 866-950-1040
  • Parent Education Network (PEN)- www.parentednet.org 800-522-5827, (Spanish) 800-441-5028
  • Special Education ConsultLine , 800-879-2301 (PA Department of Education, Office of Dispute Resolution)
  • Consider filing for an IEP Facilitation or Mediation if you would like some help discussing your child’s plan with the school. (ELC’s Guide at page 26) Contact the Special Education ConsultLine , 800-879-2301.
  • Pennsylvania provides trained facilitators and mediators to families and schools at no cost.
  • These are neutral professionals with knowledge of special education law and issues.
  • The goal of facilitation and mediation is to build partnership and respect between all parties, and of course to work in the best interest of the child.
  • Make sure that there is positive and strengths-based Behavioral Support Plan in the IEP or Section 504 Plan with a Crisis Plan – if needed. (ELC’s Guide at page 49)
  • Students can not be punished for a manifestation of their disability!
  • If a student has problem behaviors, the school must do a Functional Behavioral Assessment and develop a Behavior Support Plan using positive behavioral techniques!
  • The law limits the use of restraints by schools to control the behavior of children with disabilities!
  • Connect with other families.
  • PA Comply is an internet community of families of children with disabilities- with a focus on educational rights. Get advice and support on your issues, school district, and local services.  You can join at http://groups.yahoo.com/group/pa_comply/
  • Mothers from Hell!  Sometimes, laughter is the best medicine. Submitted by families who have been there. 10 Signs You are Going to Have a Bad IEP and many more.