Entering Special Education
Tips for getting your child started in special education.
What's the first thing you should do if you believe your child is eligible for special education? There's no number to look up in the phone book, and no place to just sign your child up. Instead, you'll have to prove to the school district that your child is eligible for special education. To make your case, you'll have to learn more about your child's disability.
Recognize Your Child's Needs
It's common for parents to realize that their child has unique needs but not know how those needs should be met. It may be that your child's problems can be isolated and addressed very specifically, or the problems may be more wide-ranging. To figure out what to do, start by focusing on your child's specific difficulties. Think about whether your child has had any of the following troubles:
- academic problems in reading, spelling or math
- delays in developmental areas, such as language or fine motor skills
- difficulties processing or retaining information, such as understanding simple instructions or problems with short- or long-term memory
- social or emotional problems
- trouble sleeping, eating or getting along with the family
- sustained difficulties in paying attention or staying focused
- inappropriate or hyperactive behavior, or
- delays in physical milestones or other physiological difficulties, such as hearing loss, sight problems, difficulties with mobility or handwriting problems.
To gather information about your child's problems, you might also talk to your child's teacher, pediatrician, care provider, or others who spend a lot of time with your child.
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