How to Ensure Your Special Education Child Receives a Free Appropriate Public Education
How to Ensure Your Special Education Child Receives a Free Appropriate Public Education
Do you have a child with autism who receives special education services and struggles with all areas of academics? Are you concerned that your child with dyslexia is not receiving appropriate reading instruction and is falling further and further behind their grade appropriate peers? This article will give you 7 things that you can do to ensure that your child is receiving a free appropriate public education.
1. Have high expectations for your child. With appropriate educational instruction, your child with autism or a learning disability, should be able to keep up with their age and grade appropriate peers.
2. If your child has dyslexia or a learning disability in the area of reading, make sure that they are receiving a scientifically based reading program which includes explicit direct instruction that is systematic, sequential and cumulative. Studies from the National Institute of Human Development have shown that for children with difficulties learning to read, a multisensory teaching method is the most effective teaching method.
3. According to No Child Left Behind, 5 skills must be included in a reading program to bring early reading success. These skills are: Phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary and comprehension. Make sure these skills are included in any reading program for your child.
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4. Make sure that the reading instruction is given according to the person who developed the programs protocols. If the program is not taught correctly or for the recommended amount of time that child will not learn.
5. If your child has difficulties in the area of functional skills insist that your child receive functional skill training, and make sure goals are written for your child.
6. Make sure that all of the special education services your child needs are listed in their individual educational plan (IEP). Many special education personnel limit the types and amounts of special education services that they provide to children with disabilities, which means that you may have to assertively and persistently fight for your child.
7. Make sure that all services listed on your child’s IEP are actually given to your child. Check in with your child’s teacher and service providers to ensure that your child is receiving the services. If you are not sure, ask for written proof that your child has received therapies and services that are listed on their IEP.
By following these 7 items you will be able to help your child receive a free appropriate public education! Children who do not receive a free appropriate public education may not be able to get a job or live a fulfilled life.
About
JoAnn Collins is the mother of two adults with disabilities, and has helped families navigate the special eduation system, as an advocate, for over 15 years. She is a presenter and author of the book “Disability Deception; Lies Disability Educators Tell and How Parents Can Beat Them at Their Own Game.” The book has a lot of resources and information to help parents fight for an appropriate education for their child. For a free E newsletter entitled “The Special Education Spotlight” send an E mail to: JoAnn@disabilitydeception.com. For more information on the book, testimonials about the book, and a link to more articles go to: http://www.disabilitydeception.com
