INCLUSIVE FAMILY
Township, about two hours west of Philadelphia.

The District of Columbia Office of the
State Superintendent of Education (OSSE)
also notes that special education services
are designed to be adaptations that do “not
necessarily mean a change in school or even a
change in class.”
instruction. Accommodations can be made
under general studies.

According to OSSE, if you believe your child
might need accommodations for a disability,
DC law requires your school to act on verbal
requests for an evaluation for an IEP or 504
plan within three business days.

What if my child doesn’t fit into
those categories, but is still
struggling? How can your child be their own
advocate? There are some conditions that may make it
more difficult for your child to learn but for
whatever reason may not meet the state or
school’s requirements for an IEP.

Disabilities which cause difficulties in
“caring for one’s self, performing manual
tasks, walking, seeing, hearing, speaking,
breathing, learning and working,” according
to PDE, but do not meet the criteria for an IEP
can still be supported with a 504 plan—from
Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973.

Just like an IEP, a 504 plan should be
updated every year to reassess your child’s
needs, but students do not require specialized
Even with the best laid plans, it’s important to
be your own advocate.

If your child has another condition that
doesn’t qualify them for either of the above,
there are still steps you can take to help your
child succeed in the classroom.

First, schedule meetings with your child’s
teachers. Try to find out if another issue
could be disrupting your child’s learning. Is
something in the environment distracting? Is
your child always tired in their last class?
If your child is struggling with attention,
consider asking teachers to move their
seat closer to the front of the classroom.

Perhaps your child could be seated next
to a learning-buddy if they are not asking
questions in class. Sometimes, it can be less
intimidating to ask a peer rather than asking
for everyone to hear.

Teachers want your child to learn and
succeed, so be open to their suggestions on
how to best help your child learn. As a parent,
one of the best ways to help your child learn is
to communicate with their teachers.

However, the most important thing you can
do when your child is struggling in school is to
talk to them. Do not confront them about their
challenges, but share your own difficulties. It’s
a good way to help your child realize that it’s
okay to have a hard time.

Another good way to help your child feel
comfortable is to take them to a calm, safe place.

This could be a place in your home, a park bench
or even on a walk around your neighborhood.

Children want to do well and make you
proud. Make sure they know that even if
they need some help, you’re proud of them.

Their best is enough, and you’ll love them no
matter what. T
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