As a parent, we have a lot of responsibility and balls to juggle.  One of these responsibilities is ensuring your child is receiving the correct supports at schools.  There usually comes a time when you have to reach out to the school with questions and concerns.  My husband and I always try to give the school a little latitude at first when we are concerned about a situation.  We find it important to assume positive intent, attempting to maintain a positive relationship.  However, if we feel unheard or there is a lack of response we adjust the approach. This kind of approach may increase your frustration level or even cause you to become angry, yet we can’t allow our emotions to become the reason we do not speak up for our children.  

What do we do when we reach this point as parents?  Some parents are hesitant to escalate the situation while others believe the school knows best.  Here are some tips to help move through the situation.  

• Begin a journal to document all your concerns.

  • Date each new entry

  • State your concerns 

  • List attempts to resolve your concerns.

  • Note any responses from the school.

• Include others in your correspondence (i.e. email) such as the building principal, head of special education, and/or superintendent.  

• Ask for everything to be put in writing.  If you speak to someone over the phone or in person, request a summary of the conversation be sent through email.  This helps build a timeline and holds the school accountable. Remember, don’t ask, don’t get.

• Follow up within 2-3 days if no one has contacted you in regards to your concerns.

• Remain calm, concise, yet direct.

• Hire an advocate or educational consultant to assist you.  An advocate can help manage the system and removes the personal aspect for you as the parent. 

#standreadytosupport