If your child has specific types of learning needs, they may be eligible for support through special education programs. This provides your child with the opportunity to secure support and assistance they may need in order to have a full educational experience. One of the most important ways to accomplish this is by providing each student with reasonable accommodations.
Accommodations assist students who may need additional support to learn effectively. As each child is unique, the specific types of support a student may be eligible to receive depend on their learning needs and other factors. If your child is eligible for special education, you may benefit from learning about the types of accommodations they may receive at a California school.
Each child is unique
As the needs of each child are unique, it is reasonable to assume that the accommodations a special education student may receive depend on factors specific to the individual student. Before your child can begin receiving special education services, the local educational agency (i.e., school district) needs to conduct special education testing in all areas of unique need to determine eligibility. This assessment will help in determining the types of accommodations that may be most effective and helpful, which could include:
- Use of visual material as well as verbal instructions
- Extra time to complete tests and assignments
- Having a designated reader during testing
- Having texts printed in larger font
- Receiving alternate projects or test formats
- Excusal from certain projects or tasks
Depending on your child’s needs, they may also be eligible for occupational therapy, speech therapy, specialized academic instruction, assistive technology, counseling, behavior services and even one-on-one assistance among other services and supports. The details of your child’s accommodations are reflected in an Individualized Education Program (IEP), and the school must adhere to it. As a parent, you have the right to know what is in your child’s IEP to ensure that the school meets their needs.
Your child’s advocate
As a parent, you are your child’s best advocate. If you have questions about your child’s educational needs, you may benefit from professional assistance. You have the right to advocate for your child to make sure the school is adhering to their IEP and other issues that stand between your child and their full educational experience. If you are unsure of how to protect your student’s interests or how to advocate on their behalf, an assessment of your case by an attorney may be a good place to begin.