The start of a new school year is filled with excitement and anticipation, but for parents of children with dyslexia and reading challenges, it can also be a time of uncertainty and anxiety. Here are seven ways to advocate for your child with dyslexia or reading challenges this school year.
1. Get (and Stay!) Organized
If you’re a parent of a child with reading challenges or dyslexia, you know that the paperwork can pile up quickly. From teacher emails to 504 and IEP meetings to specialist reports, it feels like you’re swimming in a sea of documents! The key to staying afloat is getting organized. Turn that pile of paper into a powerful tool!
Create a dedicated binder with sections for evaluations, IEP/504 plans, specialist reports, and progress reports. This way, when it’s time for a meeting, you’ll spend less time searching for papers and more time discussing what really matters – your child’s needs.
2. Create a One-Page Snapshot of Your Child
Think of this as your child’s “All About Me” page but with a focus on their learning needs. This one-page snapshot is a quick and easy way for teachers and specialists to understand your child at a glance.
Highlight their strengths, like creativity or a love of puzzles, and outline the challenges they face, such as trouble with reading comprehension or letter reversals. Don’t forget to include strategies that have worked in the past, like extra time on assessments or multi-sensory learning methods.
3. Don’t Wait Until Parent-Teacher Conferences to Address Dyslexia and Reading Needs
Why wait until the first parent-teacher conference to start advocating for your child? Kick off the school year by scheduling a dedicated meeting with your child’s new teacher. Establishing a strong relationship from the get-go can pave the way for a smoother school year.
Tips for the Meeting:
Prepare Your Talking Points: Outline the key things you want to discuss.
Bring Your Binder: Have it handy in case you need to reference any documents.
Bring Your One-Page Snapshot: Be sure to share this during your initial meeting! Make a copy so you can leave it with your child’s new teacher.
4. Get to Know Your School’s Reading Specialists and Special Education Teachers
Reading specialists (for students with reading challenges) and special education teachers (for students with an IEP) play a crucial role in supporting students with dyslexia and reading challenges. Make sure to introduce yourself and learn about the resources they offer. Teaming up with them can make a world of difference for your child’s educational journey.
Tip: Make your introduction early! These specialists get very busy, very quickly when the new year begins.
5. Start a Support Group
You’re not alone on this journey. Connecting with other parents who are navigating the same waters can be incredibly helpful. Consider starting a support group for parents of children with dyslexia and reading challenges at your school. It’s a fantastic way to share tips, resources, and moral support.
6. Stay Informed
In the ever-evolving world of dyslexia and reading, staying informed is crucial. Keep up with the latest research, strategies, and tools.
Ways to Stay Informed:
Read Up: Dive into articles and books about dyslexia.
Join the Conversation: Participate in workshops and online communities.
Stay Updated: Subscribe to newsletters and follow relevant social media groups and forums.
The more you know, the better you can advocate for your child.
7. Follow Up Regularly
Advocacy doesn’t stop after the first meeting with your child’s new teacher. Regular follow-ups with teachers and specialists ensure that your child’s dyslexia and reading needs are being met continuously. Keep the lines of communication open and be proactive in monitoring your child’s progress.
Tips for Regular Follow-Up:
Scheduled Check-Ins: Set up regular meetings with teachers and specialists.
Email Updates: Use email for quick updates and progress reports.
Communication Notebook: Keep a notebook that travels between home and school for daily or weekly updates.
Conclusion
Advocating for your child with dyslexia or reading challenges can feel like a full-time job, but it’s worth the effort. By staying organized, proactive, and informed, you can ensure that your child receives the support they need to thrive. Remember, you’re not just a parent – you’re your child’s biggest advocate and ally!
If you need more help, please reach out! We specialize in helping children with dyslexia learn to read!
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