When you choose between school districts for your child with special needs, remember that each school district offers a different level of special education services. It is important to thoroughly research schools before moving to an area! Qualifying criteria for typical can be a district’s test scores or individual school rankings, but this information is less helpful to families with atypical children. Our children require additional time, services, and money, which makes finding the right school district difficult.
Is your child with special needs getting adequate supports and services at their school district?
After entering the special education process, parents may need to re-evaluate if their child’s needs are being appropriately met. Did they choose the right school district with adequate supports and services? A re-evaluation may occur after asking for assessments, working on an IEP, or watching the IEP get implemented. The student may not work well with their teacher and refuse to perform activities essential to their learning. Will the student be able to learn in that environment? How does the situation impact the rest of the class? Is there another district that offers a higher quantity or better quality services? Do you need an emergency IEP?
The location of the school district has an impact on the services it can offer
When school districts have especially restricted budgets and a child requires additional supports and services, this can put strain on the family’s relationship with the district. Some families may need to move schools for business or personal reasons. If the relationship with your school district is especially acrimonious or the school is unsafe for your child, these are two excellent reasons to consider a move if possible.
We generally recommend against moving school districts purely to obtain more services or work at getting a ‘better’ IEP. In a perfect world, we would have districts who are able to meet every single one of every child’s needs. School districts do the best they can with the resources they are allocated and budgets differ between districts. If you choose to move between schools, be aware that your child’s documentation will follow to the new school. The schools will discuss your child’s case and it is unlikely to get an opportunity to have a blank slate. The best way to get your child’s needs met at their current school is through the IEP process. If you need to move, a proper IEP will give you SMART goals, indicators for appropriate supports, services, and placements.
If you need help securing an appropriate IEP for your child with special needs, email us or give us a call.
As parents, we understand, As advocates, we can help.
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