Navigating Special Educational Needs: How to Get Your Child Tested
Parents play a vital role in ensuring their children receive the educational support they need. If you suspect that your child may have special educational needs (SEN), the process to get them tested can be a bit daunting. Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to request assessments and support for your child, including creating and reviewing an Individualized Education Program (IEP) or a 504 Plan.
The Role of Your Child's School
One of the first steps in getting your child assessed for special educational needs is to reach out to the school. If you're unsure where to start, a good first point of contact is the school counselor, vice principal, or principal. They can assess your concerns and guide you through the necessary steps to initiate additional testing or intervention.
Based on your initial discussion, the school may request that your child be referred to a contracted or non-contractual psychologist within the school district. These professionals are qualified to administer tests to evaluate cognitive abilities and determine if your child needs an Individualized Education Program (IEP). The process can take anywhere from a couple of weeks to a month depending on the school's workload. Don't be discouraged; this is a standard procedure and will eventually be carried out.
Psychological Assessments and Evaluations
During the assessment process, you and your child's academic teachers will be asked to complete surveys about your child's behavior and performance. If there are concerns about potential attention deficit disorders (ADD or ADHD), your family doctor can arrange for your child to be referred to an outside psychologist for a formal evaluation.
For ADD or ADHD, a specific machine called TOVA can be used during the evaluation to provide more accurate assessments. These findings will be reviewed in conjunction with the school psychologist, and a meeting will be scheduled to explain the results, including any recommendations for an IEP or 504 Plan. An IEP is a highly tailored program designed to meet the unique educational needs of your child, while a 504 Plan is aimed at providing necessary accommodations to ensure equal access to learning opportunities.
Parental Advocacy and Support
As a parent, it is your right and responsibility to advocate for your child. If your initial discussions with the school do not result in the desired interventions, you can request a formal evaluation or ask for a student advocate from the school district. Good communication with the school is crucial, and bringing necessary documentation from doctors or counselors to support your request can greatly enhance the process.
Documenting any additional support your child may already be receiving from community mental health systems can provide further evidence of their special needs. However, due to the challenges posed by the ongoing pandemic, many services might currently be available online only. Keep this in mind when communicating with service providers and the school.
After a meeting with the school, if you are denied an IEP or 504 Plan, contacting the school district's student advocate service is a prudent step to take. Providing detailed documentation of your situation and any previous efforts to get the necessary support can help build a case for your child.
Getting special services for a child with special educational needs can take considerable time and effort. It may take a few months to resolve, especially if formal assessments and evaluations are required. However, even if you are not immediately granted the support you seek, efforts to get your child some assistance during the interim can be beneficial.
Remember, persistence and clear communication are key in these processes. Good luck in your journey to provide the best possible education and support for your child.