As a parent, you want to do whatever is best for your child, including for his or her education. If you notice signs that your child is struggling in school, you will do whatever it takes to ensure that he or she has what is necessary for a full and fair educational experience. It is possible that your child is demonstrating behavioral issues and other problems that may indicate that he or she has educational needs to address.
If you suspect the issues seen in your child’s behavior are related to specific types of learning needs, you may consider seeking an evaluation of your child. This is a step that can help determine if your child may qualify for special education services and other types of support. As a parent, you can advocate for your child and fight for what he or she needs to learn and grow.
Does your child need an IEP?
An IEP is an Individualized Education Program, which is a unique plan created to help certain students succeed in school. It outlines the specific interventions a student needs, as well as the accommodations teachers and instructors will provide. When evaluating a child for special education interventions, professionals will look at cognitive reasoning, behavioral issues, vision impairment, need for assistance and more. If your child qualifies for services, the next step after an evaluation is to create an IEP.
As a parent, you have the right to ask that your child have an evaluation for special education. This might be a reasonable course of action if your child has struggled for a while, or alternate strategies implemented by his or her teacher have not been effective. Schools must test students and, if they qualify, provide special education services suitable to the specific situation and the needs of the individual child.
Fighting for your child’s educational rights
No one knows your child like you do. If you believe that your child qualifies for support, you may benefit from seeking the insight of a California professional who can help you move forward with the next steps. You can advocate for your child, fighting for his or her educational rights and special education support. If you are unsure of where to begin, it may help to first seek an evaluation of your case.