As a parent, you know what your child needs better than anyone else. And oftentimes, parents’ main concern when sending their child to school, especially when they have unique needs, is that they will be fairly and properly cared for. About 82,700 school-age children in Connecticut have disabilities, according to data from the CT State Department of Education. While school gives all students the opportunity to learn and grow, you may want additional accommodations for your child’s particular needs. This article will offer ways parents of differently-abled students can effectively support their child’s growth and help them participate in their own education, in school or at home.
Communicate with teachers
A teacher will be supporting your child for most of the day, so it’s important to discuss their unique needs and progress with teachers to ensure a positive environment for their learning. The information outlined in your child’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) – a legal document made for each child with special needs that describes their learning goals and services they will get in school – can help guide these discussions. Remember that you are your child’s biggest advocate, so be sure to calmly and politely voice any concerns to teachers regarding your child’s progress in class, as these conversations can help you keep track of their developmental progress as well. It is also a good idea to keep record of communications with the school in case you ever have to refer back to what was discussed. This can include copies of dated letters, emails, and documents.
Add learning to everyday activities at home
Parents are the most influential people in a child’s life, and there are many actions you can take at home to help your child develop into the best student and individual they can be. Excite your child about the learning process by keeping a positive attitude and engaging them in unique ways. Try including academic content or practice into everyday activities at home. For example, categorize items by their shape and color in the grocery store, or read signs together that you see from inside a car. It may take time to find a learning method that works best for your child, and that’s okay. Connecticut’s Department of Developmental Services also offers many resources and services to support children with disabilities.
Develop reminders and routines
Your child’s independence is important to their learning and confidence. Establishing regular routines for your child to follow is an effective way to help build their independence and add more structure to their days. Make a written schedule for your child outlining important everyday actions such as when to do homework or get ready for bed. Developing creative reminders for their routines can also help set up that structure. You may need to adjust a few rules along the way to help their learning process and cater to your child’s unique needs. Please speak with your child’s clinical support team to discuss routines and tips that would best serve your child.
Stay positive!
Positive feedback and reinforcement can help build your child’s confidence and make them feel supported. Differently-abled children may need to do certain tasks in a unique way, and that’s okay! Ask questions and be patient while your child figures out the answer. And when they do things correctly or on their own, praise or reward them to encourage their learning even more. According to the Education Resources Information Center, students at risk for emotional and behavioral disabilities showed higher rates of engagement when they received higher rates of praise, whereas a higher rate of scolding was associated with more disruptive behavior.
