A Letter to Parents of Children with Special Needs

Dear Parents,

I hope you have an enjoyable and relaxing summer with your family! Don’t forget to keep your child reading, practice some math facts or maybe even keep a journal of your family vacation. It's easy to forget about school for the summer and let the days pass by, however it’s important to keep your child’s brain busy so they are ready to learn again when school starts!

I also encourage you to keep learning this summer as well! I know it’s a huge sigh of relief to not have to pack lunches and oversee homework, but please set aside some time to complete the following assignment.

Whether you are a parent of a child with newly diagnosed special needs or a child who is already in Special Education, find some time this summer to prepare an information package for your child's new teacher. You can create this information package by completing the following:

1. Assume nothing. Do not assume the new teacher will have looked at your child's records or talked to the school-based team about your child's needs prior to the new school year. Make a copy of last year's IEP with any relevant notes.

2.  Highlight the IEP goals that are still in progress.

3.  Brush up on your knowledge of your child’s special needs by reading the latest research. There might be new techniques, teaching strategies or computer software/applications that can be used to support your child’s learning. Make a copy of this information.

4.  Create a quick overview of what you believe to be your child's strengths and areas for support. Briefly list any strategies that help your child learn.

5. Organize information into a folder to give to your child's teacher during the first week of school.  

By completing this assignment before school begins, you are ensuring a successful start to your child’s school year.  In the busy first few days of school, many teachers do not have a chance to review the detailed IEPs of the children in their new classes. Your information package will be extremely helpful by providing the new teacher with some guidance in immediately addressing your child’s special needs. In addition, you are establishing your role as a partner in the education of your son or daughter.

All the best for a safe & happy summer!

Mrs. Eredics