Parental Advocacy

As we continue through our learning process of parents of children with disabilities it is becoming more apparent to me everyday that parents need to be advocates for their children.  Parents need to take a stand for their children and ensure that their child has the best learning experience possible.  though this make be difficult for many parents because they are not informed the way that they should be.  This is where it is our jobs as teachers to make sure that all of our parents and knowledgeable and informed in a variety of ways.  Teachers need to ensure that parents know:

1.  A free and appropriate education for children with disabilities
2. Notices when their child will be evaluated, a change in their child's educational program.
3. The ability to have their child evaluated for special assistance if needed.
4. Participation in the development and duration of IEP's
5. Educated in least restrictive environment.
6. Ability to request due process hearing to resolve differences with the school.
7. Special education assistant programs.

All of these items and more are essential for teachers to provide to parents.  The more help that a teacher can provide a family the better their learning experience will be in the school.  The parents will feel secure and comfortable being advocates for their children.