Can you believe that Summer 2023 is at its end? I sure have a hard time believing it. For many parents and caregivers, sending their students back to school makes them feel 100% positive and secure. For others, it may be a bit daunting, especially for those students who already have IEPs (Individualized Education Plans) in place. Or even for those parents/caregivers who have concerns related to their child’s academic progress. Well, I am here to give you some peace, as I share a few pointers.
It is so important for you to be in the loop with how your child is performing in the classroom. Depending on your school and district, communication may be better or worse. Regardless, it is your duty as the parent/caregiver to be in the know.
Here are 5 pointers for becoming an advocate for your child/children:
Definition of Advocate
This may seem obvious, but let me just share the definition of advocate so we are all on the same page. Merriam-Webster defines advocate as the following: to support or argue for (a cause, policy, etc.); to plead in favor of. All in all, you are supporting and it may cause an argument. I am not sure if you knew that or not, but some people may not agree with what you are requesting. However, that does not mean you should not push for it.
- Be Confident in who YOU are
When you go into an IEP meeting, please remember that you know your child best. If that is not the case, then please invite others who also know your child best. You are allowed to invite anyone to the meeting, as long as you tell the school who it is you are bringing. In essence, if you advocate for your child, you will see more fruit and more progress because you are fighting for their needs! Advocating looks different depending on the child, their needs, the school, etc.
2. Request Interim IEP Meetings
Another way to be a great advocate is to request interim IEP meetings. From my SLP perspective, this is very necessary. Your child spends most of the year in school and you are only meeting with the IEP team once a year? If you have any concerns, I would request to meet as a team. It is better to have everyone there at the same time so you get all of the information and back-up you need. Do not wait for an annual review to bring up new concerns! Think of it as looking out for your child.
3. Ask Questions
One thing that really pushes my buttons is when I am part of an IEP meeting and the parent/caregiver does not have any questions. There needs to be an urgency to know why certain goals are being worked on, why certain goals have not been met, etc. Even if it seems like a silly question, please ask. We want to know that you are invested in your child’s progress and that you understand everything that is being said. IEP meetings do not have to be scary or dreadful! I also need to add, just as important it is to ask the team questions, ask your child questions! Ask them how therapy is going. How are their supports/services are going? Are they feeling supported? Are they getting the services? If you have never thought about asking your child any of these questions, it is not too late. Their input is invaluable!
4. Attend the IEP Meetings
This is probably the most obvious of the pointers mentioned. However, it could very well be the most important. When I say attend, I mean be present. I mean be there mentally, emotionally, physically, socially, and in all ways possible. Your child will make progress when you start becoming a part of their IEP journey.
To the parents with a child that has an IEP, thank you for all that you do to help your children succeed. To the parents of children that will initiate an IEP, this is the best way for your child to learn and make progress, with supports and services. There is no shame in having your child need extra help in school. As long as they are getting what they need to reach their fullest potential, then that is the most important thing.
5. Stay Connected With the IEP Team
I know many people hesitate to reach out to school teachers, SLPs, etc. because we are always so busy. This is a true statement and nothing can change that. BUT, by you reaching out with questions, comments or just connecting with your student’s service providers and staff, you are giving us extra insight on your student’s progress and needs. This really makes a difference, as we service so many students. When we have the parent/caregiver staying connected, we are able to maintain our attention and momentum to be present for your child.
I am here for you! I am passionate with my work as a remote, school-based SLP. Staying connected with parents throughout the school year truly makes my job more meaningful, because I know who the advocate is behind the student.
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