Education is an important component of every child’s life, but it can be particularly challenging for those who have special needs. Fortunately, parents can work together with schools and health care providers to create a safe and productive learning environment for their young students. Wherever your child learns, here are a few ways you can advocate for their educational needs to ensure they have the best resources.

3 Tips for Parents Navigating Education & Special Needs

1.  Establish Clear Communication With Teachers

From the start, it’s important to build a strong relationship with your child’s teachers. If your student is entering a new class, schedule a one-on-one meeting with the teacher to discuss intended learning outcomes, potential barriers, and effective solutions that can improve learning. During this process, do not be afraid to let educators know what works best for your child, as they will likely appreciate the insight. Keep up these conversations on a regular basis to ensure no matters go unattended.

In addition to speaking with teachers, it’s also important to address special needs with other school staff. For example, if your child requires specific medical care, review these needs in full with the school nurse. Administrators and therapists may also help ensure your child has the right resources to remain mobile and connected with the rest of the school.

2. Keep Proper Documentation

The circumstances surrounding special needs are not always set in stone and may require you to make changes as your child grows older. To ensure no stone goes unturned, keep clear records that pertain to your student’s health and educational progress. This evidence will make it easier to detect gradual changes—and new challenges—that may be impacting your child’s learning ability.

It’s also important to document any special requests you have. Submitting a formal letter and preserving any responses from a school can help you make sure all matters are tended to in a timely fashion.

3. Research & Preserve Educational Rights

It’s important to understand that every child has a right to receive a free and appropriate education. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, students with special needs are given a series of rights that ensure proper and fair learning. For instance, those with learning disabilities can be eligible for extra testing time. Other rights include accessible transportation and supportive services, such as speech therapy.

When you’re a parent of a child with special needs, having the right support is critical. That’s why Deer Valley Home Health Services in Berkeley, St. Charles, and St. Louis, MO, is proud to offer a variety of caregiver services for children and adolescents. Working together with families and health care providers, these trained nurses will develop and provide a regular care plan to help children lead happy, healthy, and comfortable lives. Understanding that every client is unique, this team will work with you to deliver care that fits your schedule, budget, and therapeutic requirements. To learn more about their services, visit this home health agency online or call (314) 355-3679.