How Being an Informed and Engaged Parent Saved My Child Part 2

The DC Ladies-How being an Informed and Engaged Parent saved my child I’m not sure how it is in every state, and if it helps, I live in Maryland – there are ways that you can be informed on your rights as parents and advocate on behalf of your child. I am sharing those with you, in hopes that if you’re ever faced with these issues of retention or your child having learning or development issues, or you’re not happy with the learning environment of your child’s class, you do have a voice.

Things to know:

You should NEVER be told your child has ADD or any other learning disability without the school having done or requested you to have your child properly assessed. An assessment is different within each school district, county or state and you should contact your local jurisdiction’s education department for information.
Finding a Behavioral Care doctor does take time, do not feel pressured to use the first doctor with availability – because I learned….it’s kind of hard to get the right one.
You do NOT have to accept the school’s request for retention. If your school did not PROPERLY do all they could do to get your child to the point they should be at academically to proceed to the next grade that is NOT your fault or your child’s fault. Stand up for your child.
Always put your requests to have your child tested any concerns, or questions in writing to your child’s teacher or principal. This will help keep a written record of what you have done as a parent and holds the school accountable for what they have (or have not) done.
Your school system might have what is known as a Pupil Personnel Worker a ‘specialist trained to assess student needs, serve as student advocates, and act as a motivating force in removing barriers to student achievement.’ I had to use this service when meeting with the school ‘TEAM’ as I became more frustrated with the process.
Reach out to other parents and your child’s PTSA – they can offer world of resources that you might not be aware of.
If all else fails, there are other resources. You can contact an Educational Advocate or an Educational Attorney for advice and representation
BE ENGAGED, BE ENGAGED, BE ENGAGED…..there is nothing more beneficial to your child’s education than being engaged.

This year, I am being proactive and making sure that I stay ahead of the game by staying constant contact with my daughter’s teachers and learning ways to keep her focused. It’s amazing however, her primary teacher is known by parents as one who is very encouraging an supportive of her students, she’s organized and doesn’t allow the classroom to be out of control…..and we saw an immediate change in the level of enthusiasm and interest our daughter has in learning this year. We did seek therapy and will have her tested for our own piece of mind, but at our first ‘TEAM’ meeting this year, we were told there are ‘No focus or attention problems’ – I wish you could have seen the look on my face.