Time to Think Ahead

It is the middle of July, but believe it or not it is already time to start thinking about how to support your child in the upcoming school year!

If you haven't done it already, take an opportunity to review your child's records and make sure everything is  correct and in order.  I prefer to have the most recent information on top for quick access.  You can also take a look at my first post to this blog, which was all about documentation, for some helpful hints on how to organize those piles and piles of paperwork.

Next, review your child's IEP or 504 Plan and make sure that the supports and goals are still appropriate.  Has anything medically changed for your child?  Are there new pieces of information that need to be provided from summer specialist visits or sessions with the tutor?  You can either request an amendment meeting or submit the information in writing depending on the extent of the updates.

If you do need to request a meeting, be sure to REQUEST THE MEETING IN WRITING and provide your availability in the letter.  The letter can be sent via email, but be sure to copy all interested parties on the message as well.  I will be posting a sample letter or some links here within the next few days for you to reference if you are looking for a sample.

Remember that pre-planning and the first few weeks of school are extremely hectic and stressful for everyone.  Organization and patience are two of the most valuable tools you can use to help make it through this often difficult time.  And while it is definitely hard to think about IEP's and 504's when we are digging our toes in the sand, it is critical to proactively plan for the new school year to help minimize the problems and maximize your child's learning opportunities.