The Special Education Process
Many factors can unintentionally create a meeting environment that is stressful and intimidating for parents and caregivers. So, before a meeting even begins, many factors can create barriers in a circumstance where trust and equality are essential. In order for you to advocate for your child in the best possible way, you must be able to advocate for yourself. Let’s reframe each of the ‘school system’ factors in a way that empowers you as a confident and equally important member of your child’s team. It all starts with knowing your rights and requesting your own meeting ‘accommodations’.
For instance:
Meetings are held on school property/territory.
Ask that the meeting take place on your First Nation, or another location of your choosing.
There are more of them, and some may be unknown to you and educators tend to use a lot of technical language and unfamiliar terms
Ask for a list of meeting participants, their titles, and technical terms ahead of time. Stop the proceedings every time you need clarification or to review the list you were given. Ask an advocate to accompany you to the meeting.
There are more of them, and some may be unknown to you and educators tend to use a lot of technical language and unfamiliar terms
Ask for a list of meeting participants, their titles, and technical terms ahead of time. Stop the proceedings every time you need clarification or to review the list you were given. Ask an advocate to accompany you to the meeting.
There can be a significant amount of paperwork.
Ask for all documents to be shared ahead of time. Read them: make notes, ask questions. Bring your own paperwork.
The pace of the meeting and decision making may be brisk.
Ask for a short break anytime that you need it. Ask for any parts to be repeated. Take your time. You do not have to sign forms at a meeting: bring them home and take some time to think about any decisions or recommendations.
The formality of the meeting and its rituals are likely unknown to you.
Ask to include elements of your culture: smudge, prayer, drum, song, or language.
The reason for the meeting is always important but may also be quite serious.
Remember, everyone in attendance wants your child to succeed. Smile.