How to Advocate Well for Your Children at School

It has often been said that “it takes a village” to raise a child, and a critical member of that community is your children’s school. As a parent, it is important for you to connect and build relationships with your child or teen’s teachers, the school’s faculty, and the support staff around them. However, knowing just where to begin can be a challenge. There are also crucial pieces of your child’s or teen’s educational ecosystem that you may not even be aware of, making the establishment of those relationships all the more important. The following are some ideas to guide you in how to advocate well for your children at school.

1. Communicate

Communicate. This is a must. Talk to your children’s teachers and the school staff about their needs, no matter how unique or complex those needs may be.

2. Provide Documentation

Provide documentation. In your communications with the school faculty, be sure to provide any and all information on your child’s or teen’s academic, social, and emotional development.

For instance, your child or teen may be in need of an IEP (Individualized Education Program). The main goal of an IEP is to help a child or teen benefit from general education. Admittedly, an IEP is complex and can be challenging to understand. Understood is a tremendous resource in helping you understand your child’s needs and rights within the education system.

3. Be Present

Be present. It is, no doubt, challenging, but make every effort to attend meetings with teachers and staff, whether it is your child’s IEP meeting or simply a quarterly parent-teacher conference.

4. Ask Questions

Ask questions. Understanding all of the ins and outs of your child’s or teen’s education is quite difficult, but instead of being prideful or fearful, don’t shy away from asking questions, especially the hard questions.

For example, your child may qualify for a 504 plan, but you may ask yourself, what’s the difference between this and an IEP. According to Understood, an IEP is a formal plan under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) that provides special education services and supports tailored to a student’s needs. A 504 plan, on the other hand, is covered by Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act and focuses on removing barriers, so students can learn alongside their peers in general education. It provides accommodations, not specifically designed instruction.

5. Prepare

Prepare. As you plan to meet with your children’s teacher or support team, come with questions and points along with records, assessment information, and even past meeting notes.

6. Ask for Help

Ask for help. You may find that you need additional support from your own community or church; other like-minded, trusted parents; or even legal advice or resources. If you do, do not be fearful of asking for that help.

These tips or ideas for advocating well for your child at school may certainly lead you outside your comfort zone. The key is to remember: You are providing your child or teen with a voice before theirs has fully developed. In your advocacy, you also have the opportunity to teach your children valuable lessons of respect, honesty, self-control, and teamwork.

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