Maistreaming Tips for Parents of Children with Special Needs

[Guest guest]

Hi everyone,

I have written a new article just in time for Spring IEP meetings called,

" Mainstreaming Tips for Parents of Children with Special Needs. " While most

of the article is geared to caregivers for children with any type of special

education issue, there are several resources in the last tip pertaining

directly to hearing loss.

Here is the article below. It is also available online here:

http://www.hearingexchange.com/articles/paulas_pearls_041904.html You are

welcome to forward it to family, friends or colleagues as long as it is

redistributed unedited and includes the author bio and copyright

information.

As always, I look forward to any comments and feedback you may have.

Kindest regards,

a

Mainstreaming Tips for Parents of Children with Special Needs

by a Rosenthal, J.D.

Transitioning from a special education program to a public or private

mainstream school is a critical time for families. Parents and children

alike are both nervous and excited about their new placement. A new program

also means new teachers, service professionals and new friends. To ensure a

smooth and successful transition for your child, consider the following

suggestions and tips for before and during your Individualized Education

Plan (IEP) meeting.

1. Meet the school team

Contact the school well in advance of your child's entry. Set up a meeting

with the teachers, therapists and staff who will be providing services and

interacting with your child. Gather names and credentials and keep a file.

2. Introduce your child

Have your child meet the team and possibly his teacher before school starts.

This can assuage any fears or issues your child or his teacher may have. It

also allows time for questions to be addressed without distractions.

3. Get acquainted

Contact the director of special education services in your district

immediately and schedule a meeting. While your child's records will be on

file, you'll be starting your mainstream experience on a positive note by

putting a personal face on your child and your family. Open the lines of

communication and let the director know that you are looking forward to

working with him.

4. Have your child observed

Contact the school and ask if they would like to observe your child prior to

teacher selection. Observing and meeting your child in advance will enable

the school to choose a teacher who is right for him. This also allows your

child to become acquainted with the school and perhaps some students prior

to admission.

5. Make classmate requests

Ask the school to consider a short list of 2-3 children your child already

knows as potential classmates. Some schools may guarantee that your child

will be placed with at least one of the children on the list which will ease

the social transition.

6. Seek support

Inquire if there is a Special Education Parent Teacher Association (SEPTA)

or similar program available in your school district. Meeting and networking

with other parents in your area is beneficial for both you and your child.

These groups often offer speakers and support group meetings as well.

7. Put it in writing

Be sure to put all of your requests and inquiries to the district and the

school staff in writing and keep a copy in a file. This will help you keep

accurate records in case any issues or disputes come up.

In addition, ask to have a communication notebook included in your child's

IEP. The book should be written in and reviewed at least weekly. This will

ensure that all team members are in constant touch and all issues are

promptly addressed. Remember, you and any private therapist or teacher you

employ for your child are members of the team. They should regularly review

and comment in the book as well.

8. Include outside professionals

Introduce any private therapists or professionals serving your child to your

school team. You are permitted to bring anyone you choose to your IEP

meetings. Private service providers can offer valuable insight and ideas so

include them whenever possible.

9. Yearly inservices

Include an inservice for the school staff about hearing loss, hearing aids

and/or cochlear implants and your child in your IEP. Ideally, the inservice

for the teaching staff should take place just prior to your child's entrance

at the school. An inservice for the children in your child's class and/or

grade should be conducted during the first week of school. If you child is

able, have them lead or at least participate in the program.

10. Periodic Meetings

Ask for team meetings quarterly or more frequently to discover and resolve

any issues that may come up during the year.

11. Socialization

Meeting new children and making friends play an important part in your

child's overall happiness and success in a new school. Ask neighbors about

popular extracurricular activities such as dance, art and theater classes.

Consider registering your child for at least one after school activity.

Leave room in his schedule for playdates. Ask the school for the class

telephone list so you can initiate playdates. Don't wait for parents to call

you, call them first and introduce yourself and your child.

Keep tabs on your child's social interaction, especially at the beginning of

his transition. Consider asking your child's teacher or one of his service

providers to observe him at lunch and recess. If necessary, this person can

assist your child in making new friends. Encourage your child to make at

least one new friend. Talk with your child regularly about the teacher,

classmates, recess, social issues, etc.

12. Know your rights

As your child's best advocate, you are a key player in providing a

successful mainstream experience. It is important to know your rights

regarding your child's special education services. Research and learn the

laws extensively. Here are online resources to get you started:

~ slaw - http://www.wrightslaw.com

<http://www.wrightslaw.com/>

~ From Emotions to Advocacy - http://www.fetaweb.com

<http://www.fetaweb.com/>

~ - http://www.reedmartin.com

<http://www.reedmartin.com/>

~ Bridges 4 Kids - http://www.bridges4kids.com

<http://www.bridges4kids.com/>

~ Special Education Advocate http://www.specialedadvocate.com/

~ Hand and Voices IEP Pop Up-

http://www.handsandvoices.org/articles/education/popup/pop_index.html

The following are web sites or pages offering IEP related resources specific

to deaf or hard of hearing children:

~ The Listen Up Web - Your Rights http://www.listen-up.org/rights/rights.htm

~ How IDEA Applies to Deaf and Hard of Hearing Students

http://clerccenter2.gallaudet.edu/KidsWorldDeafNet/e-docs/IDEA/index.html

~ Hands and Voices IEP Checklist: Recommended Accomodations and

Modifications for Students with Hearing Loss

http://www.handsandvoices.org/resource_guide/12_iep_checklist.html

a Rosenthal, J.D. is married and has three children. She, her husband

and daughter are all hearing impaired. Her sons have normal hearing. A law

school graduate, a is the publisher of http://www.HearingExchange.com

<http://www.hearingexchange.com/> , an online community for people with

hearing loss, families of deaf and hard of hearing children and

professionals. She writes and speaks extensively on hearing loss and related

issues. To contact her, send an email to paula@....

..

C 2004 a Rosenthal and Rose, Inc. All rights reserved. For

reprint permission, send an email with your request to

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a Rosenthal, Publisher and Speaker

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