Children with medical and developmental concerns may have difficulty in different aspects of school, so it's important to know what kind of assistance is available and where to go for help.
Parents need to understand their child's rights within the system and work together with teachers and specialist to create a plan for their child's success.
Do you have a question about your child's rights in the school system or need suggestions on creating a plan for success? Ask the Expert! Submit your question to our specialist volunteer, LoriLynn Bowie**.
Frequently Asked Education Questions
My child is not doing well in school, what can I do as the parent to help them?
Excellent question! Where to begin is often the most difficult question to get answered. The first step with any concern you may have about your child’s education is a parent teacher conference. You will want to call the school and request a mutually convenient time to meet so all of your child’s teachers can be present.
When I go to my parent/teacher conference they say my child is doing “fine” yet he/she is always bringing home C’s, D’s or F’s and not doing well on standardized tests what can I do?
Once again, very good question and unfortunately an all too familiar scenario. This would be the time to tell the guidance counselor you would like your child to be tested for Exceptional Student Education Services to see if they have a need to be taught differently to be successful. You will need to sign consent for testing form for the school to be allowed to test your child. If you do not sign a consent form, nothing can or will be done. (If you request this and the school says no, let me know, this is a federal law)
What is an IEP?
An IEP is an Individualized Education Plan. This is a legal binding document for student’s who need the assistance of an Exceptional Student Education (ESE) Program to be successful in their academic setting.
How do I know if my child needs or would qualify for ESE?
- If your child is having a difficult time with his or her grades and is really trying to do everything they can to be successful, you will want to talk to their guidance counselor. There are many different ESE Programs to be considered for your child. There are criterion established by the Federal as well as State governments to assure proper identification of the needs of your child.
- If your child misses school due to extended stays in the hospital and/or extended recovery time at home, they may be eligible for instruction at home in the Hospital Homebound Program.
My child is limited in the amount of Physical Activity he/she can do. How do I let the teacher know his/her limitations?
The best way to let your child’s teacher’s know the limits of his/her physical ability is to schedule a parent conference with the teacher’s and the guidance counselor. Have with you in writing from the doctor exactly what the medical condition is. You will also want to have with you from the doctor what this condition means as far as physical activity limitations and what your child can and should be expected to do. Many teachers do not understand medical terminology and they panic. The more information you can provide will only alleviate the fear of the teacher that your child may have an “episode” in their class. Most children want to participate as their peers and not be treated differently. Be careful not to enable them to be disabled more than they truly need to be.
**Lorilynn, MSED / Sp. Ed with Emphasis in Behavior Management and Special Education Law, has provided a wealth of support and information for our American Heart Heroes families. She is currently in charge of Exceptional Student Education - Program Specialist for Occupational Therapy, Physical Therapy, Visually Impaired, Physically Impaired, Deaf & Hard of Hearing, Adapted Physical Education, & Local Assistive Technology Specialist- Marion County Public Schools. She has twenty-five years in the Florida school system and is committed to helping students grow, learn and prosper.
