Helpful Information for the New School Year

By Pam Lindemann

Do it NOW!  Please Don’t Wait! 

I cannot stress this enough:  The time to start intervening on your child’s behalf with the school is NOW.  The time to ask for services for your child is NOW.  The time to ask, “What specifically are you going to do to help my child with [ fill in the blank ], is NOW. 

If there is one thing I have learned in dealing with the school system, it’s that everything takes so much time.  Last year, I started working with a parent on January 24.  It wasn’t until the second to last day of school – in June – that we were able to have our final meeting and wrap everything up.  It took six months.  Unbelievable.

Look, if your child is struggling, you know it.  Trust your gut.  Trust your motherly, fatherly, parental instincts.  I would bet my money on a parent’s gut feeling every time.  You don’t have to exactly understand what the problem is or what’s causing it, but if your child is not at grade level in math, reading or written expression, and they have the capacity to do better, there could be a problem. Under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act and No Child Left Behind, the school district must help. 

For heaven’s sake, don’t be a “wussy” – don’t take no for an answer!  Buck up! Don’t accept, “He’ll grow out of it.  He’s a boy.  They’re always behind.” or “She’ll catch up.  We’ve got time.”  NO!  You don’t have time!  Before you know it, a few weeks turn into several months and then years, and then your child is in high school and suffering!

If you’re not sure what to do, seek out help. Go on the internet and do research.  A great website is www.wrightslaw.com. Call an association, another parent, or call me.  Just get help.  The sooner you act, the more options you have and the more time you have to correct the problem and help your child.