We continue to witness a growing divide in education; specifically around our students with disabilities.  The challenge is finding a way to address the educational gap between students who are already struggling and their peers.  With the advent of the COVID-19 pandemic, learning gaps for special needs students are growing at an alarming rate.

Restorative Solutions Consulting stands ready to work with parents/guardians, teachers and schools on an individual or group level based on need.  Services can be tailored to meet your needs. Our role is to encourage the partnership between schools, districts, and families.   We provide support for parents to understand and guide them through the special education process, including their child’s IEP or evaluation. In addition, we can help navigate next steps when a parent/family doesn’t agree with the committee on the special education team, etc.  

We can also provide compliance checks for districts.  This could be a review of the systems in place, assessment of strengths and determining any areas for improvement, or professional development for teachers.  Many teachers seek assistance in writing an appropriate IEP, data collection process, providing modifications and accommodations for their students.  

For years, I have experienced parents (and guardians) who are overwhelmed by the entire school experience.  Each parent has their own experience that leads to this feeling of not knowing what to do for their child or if they are doing enough.  Some of these relationships may need restoration before moving forward.  Parents may have had their own negative experiences with school and it has created anxiety as they maneuver through their own child’s journey.  Others are intimidated by the school or the teachers.  

This isn’t necessarily intentional on the part of the school or teachers.  However, through the years working within school districts, we have stressed to staff to treat each meeting with respect and not assume the parents know all the terminology, understand the data or know what questions to ask.  You don’t know, what you don’t know! 

It is also interesting when a teacher becomes the parent in the meeting, leading them to gain a new perspective on the process.  These meetings are personal and educators must keep that in mind with each and every family. We want to ensure that parents are being heard and understand the educational experience their child is or should be receiving.  

When we can have parents, teachers, and districts working together for students we see greater success and growth!

#standreadytosupport