Parents' Guide to Special Needs Schooling

This book is written to help parents of special needs children understand and navigate the educational system. The book describes the various ways parents can be involved in planning and delivering a special education program for their child. Communication between school, medical practitioner, and parents is the key ingredient to success in these endeavors. This is the central theme of the book. Topics covered include: proper diagnosis of the disability; confirmation of perceived problems; parental coping strategies; assessment; educational program identification; IEP program planning processes; interfacing with school system organizations; finding support groups and information; and due process. As important as parental involvement in a child's education is for a healthy child, it is even more essential for the special needs child. The authors have found that the school system is not always a friendly organization when it comes to parental involvement. Yet a parent's involvement in diagnostic and placement procedures, and overseeing and measuring progress is a right. This book will guide parents in exercising these rights to total involvement in the process.