As a parent of a child with learning disabilities, the back-to-school season can feel overwhelming. Understanding how to support your child and ensure they receive the necessary accommodations is crucial. Schools may not always provide the help your child needs, but with the right tools and strategies, you can make a significant difference in their educational journey.
It’s Essential to Have a Current Copy of Your Child’s Plan
One of the most important steps in preparing for the school year is ensuring you have a current copy of your child’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 plan. These documents outline the specific accommodations and services your child is entitled to receive. Over the summer, your child’s needs may have changed, so reviewing and updating the plan if necessary is crucial. Schedule a meeting with the school if adjustments are needed to ensure your child’s support system is up to date.
Ensure your child's learning plan is current and share it with teachers early to set up a successful school year.
Communicate Effectively with Teachers and Staff
Effective communication with your child’s new teachers and school staff is vital. Once you know who the teachers are, send them a copy of your child’s plan, focusing on the accommodations and schedule of services. This not only informs the teachers of your child’s needs but also opens the line of communication. Providing additional information about your child’s learning style and what has worked in the past can help teachers create a supportive classroom environment.
Teachers appreciate that information. They don’t know these kids; they’ve got 20 to 30 new little bodies coming into their room and they don’t know any of these kids.
Laura Lurns · Learning Success expert
Empower Your Child to Advocate for Themselves
Teaching your child to understand and advocate for their own needs is a critical part of their educational journey. Encourage them to be aware of their accommodations and to communicate their needs to teachers. For younger children, explaining that they learn differently but are still capable can help them understand their situation. As they grow, this self-advocacy becomes increasingly important, especially as they transition to higher education.
Key takeaways
- Review and Update Accommodation Plans: Ensure you have the most current copy of your child's 504 plan or IEP. Review it to see if any changes are necessary due to progress made over the summer or new challenges that have emerged. If changes are needed, schedule a meeting with the school to revise the plan before the school year starts.
- Communicate with Teachers and Staff: Share the relevant parts of your child's accommodation plan with their new teachers as soon as possible. Include information about the accommodations, schedule of services, and state test accommodations. Additionally, provide teachers with any insights into your child's learning style and environment preferences to help them better support your child's needs.
- Encourage Self-Advocacy: Teach your child about their learning disability and the accommodations they are entitled to. Encourage them to advocate for themselves by asking for their accommodations when needed. This is particularly important as they progress through school and into college, where they will need to manage their accommodations independently.
Take Immediate Action for New Diagnoses
If your child received a new diagnosis over the summer, such as Dyslexia , it’s essential to contact the school counselor as soon as possible to initiate the process for a new accommodation plan. Schools are busy at the start of the year, so getting this process started early can ensure your child has support from day one. While waiting for a formal plan, share any diagnosis reports and recommendations with teachers to help them understand your child’s needs in the interim.
You want to get that going as soon as possible because once school starts it takes forever.
Laura Lurns · Learning Success expert
Overcoming Challenges with Dyslexia and Dyscalculia
Children with Dyslexia and Dyscalculia face unique challenges in reading and math, respectively. These conditions can significantly impact their academic performance and self-esteem. As a parent, your role is pivotal in helping your child overcome these challenges. By advocating for appropriate accommodations and providing additional support at home, you can help your child achieve a better life, both academically and personally. Utilizing available tools and resources, such as specialized tutoring programs and educational software, can make a significant difference in their learning experience.
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Your school district must evaluate your child free of charge if you ask in writing, whatever your income and whatever the outcome (US, 34 CFR 300.111 and 300.301(b)). That route takes time and answers a different question than you do. This one starts today, from what you already know.
Your answers stay yours. We do not sell your personal information, and we do not hand identifiable assessment data to outside AI companies to train their models.
A screener is a starting point, not a diagnosis. If your child might need formal accommodations (an IEP or 504 plan), or you suspect a vision, hearing or medical cause, pursue a professional evaluation too. That is the only route to those supports.
