Schools do need to have rules to maintain order, and it is important for students to follow them. This is true for all students, even those who may have a specialized education plan or special needs that have to be met by the learning institution. They still do have to follow basic rules or face ramifications like suspensions or expulsion. However, for students with a learning disability or a behavioral disability, this can become problematic. Is the student being punished because of their behavior or are they being punished because of their disability? It can be a hard line to define, but it ..read more

If you notice your child is not performing well in school, despite implementing solutions, you and/or their teacher may request an evaluation for special education. This evaluation can help identify if your child needs additional support. Here is what to know about this matter: The school may refuse your request If you request an evaluation for your child, the school can agree or disagree. In either case, they must notify you of their decision in writing, explaining their reasons. You will be asked for consent If your child’s school recommends an evaluation, you should respond in writing stati ..read more

Every child has unique strengths and challenges – but that’s never so apparent as when you have a child who has both exceptional abilities and significant learning differences at once.  That’s the quandary presented by “2e” children. “2e” stands for “twice-exceptional,” a term that’s now broadly used to describe children who are both intellectually gifted and have a learning disability or other neurodevelopmental disorders. For example, you may have a 2e child who is exceptionally gifted in mathematics or computers but they struggle with sensory issues, communication and social skills bec ..read more

As a parent, you want the best for your child – but figuring out what that means can get confusing. The idea of “labeling” a child with a specific disability or with special needs sometimes gets a lot of flak, and parents can be directly or indirectly discouraged from doing so for fear that a child will end up stigmatized or their opportunities will be limited due to the focus on their struggles instead of their strengths. However, labeling a child isn’t all that bad. In fact, it’s often necessary if you want to accomplish some or all of the following aims. Improve your child’s self-awareness ..read more

Being the parent of a child with special educational needs can be challenging. One of the biggest challenges might be getting the school to give your child the extra help or accommodations they need. When you meet with the school, the measures they offer may fall well short of what you feel your child deserves. Maybe the school does not grasp the scale of your child’s learning issues. Maybe they are so set in their ways that they believe the approach they have used with others is sufficient for everyone. Or perhaps they are trying to save money by avoiding allocating extra resources to your ch ..read more

With the proper support, a child with disabilities can thrive in their academic career. As a parent who wishes nothing but the best for their child, you’d need to take an active role in their educational path and Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Naturally, if your child excels in a general education placement, you’d want them to stay there. But what if the school disagrees? What is the least restrictive environment (LRE)? Studies show that integrating children with special education needs into inclusive classes helps improve their educational performance. Historically, schools have separat ..read more

Your child’s Individual Education Plan is critical to their safety and success in school. A well developed, implemented, and maintained IEP can help your child thrive in their educational environment. Yet, all too often schools and their personnel fail to properly adhere to the law when it comes to developing and implementing these IEPs. When this happens, your child’s well-being can be significantly jeopardized. Signs that your child’s IEP isn’t adhering to the law If your child’s IEP doesn’t abide by the law, then you might be able to take legal action to find accountability and recover what ..read more

In New York City, parents who have a child with disabilities rely on their schools to give them the services they need. There are requirements in place that must be adhered to. However, there are often complaints that schools do not live up to those expectations. While this is a problem for all students regardless of their age and development, it can be particularly troubling for preschoolers. A recent report shows that schools failed a significant number of preschoolers with disabilities. These kids are three and four-years-old. Parents should be aware of this and other potential challenges t ..read more

Being a parent is a rewarding but challenging role, especially when you have a child with special needs. Parents of children with special needs may face additional stress, frustration, isolation and exhaustion as they try to balance their own needs with those of their child. However, there are also many joys and benefits of raising a child with special needs, such as witnessing their resilience, growth and achievements. Parents can also learn new skills, develop stronger relationships and find meaning and purpose. Stay positive Focus on your child’s strengths, abilities and potential rather th ..read more

Every parent wants the best education for their child. When a child is in special education classes, sometimes problems arise with the teacher or the paraprofessional in the classroom. Parents may want more information about common disagreements and what they can do to resolve them. Qualifications In New York, special education teachers must meet certain educational requirements to teach in special education classrooms. They must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with coursework in special education. They must also hold a valid teaching certificate. They also ma ..read more