My last tip is to check in often with your child's teacher and school team and to make yourself available as someone who is helpful and supportive. From my experience, no news is rarely ever good news , at least when it comes to my son. I find frequent, informal contact with his school team effective.
When Kellen was younger, it worked out very well for me to volunteer in his classroom once a week. I was able to get to know the other students, role-model for others how I relate to my son, and see for myself how things worked around the school. At first he didn't do well with me in the classroom and I almost discontinued volunteering, but his Kindergarten teacher felt that it would be important for me to stay involved with his classroom for many years to come, so she encouraged me by letting me know that she would support us by redirecting Kellen when he was distracted by my being there. Sure enough, over time, he learned to ignore my presence and continue on with whatever activity he was involved in when I arrived.
Other years, I stayed in touch by sending a communication notebook back and forth to school or using email to check in. Although Kellen normally rode the school bus, in elementary school there was usually once a week that he had private speech therapy before or after school. On those days I could check in for a couple of minutes with his teacher as I dropped him off or picked him up.
I also found it helpful to volunteer on the school's leadership team when my time allowed. I was able to learn more about the culture of the school and get to know the principal and other teachers. It's helpful to build relationships during good times as then when problems develop, you have a foundation to work from.
Every parent has their own style of advocacy. Take from these tips what works for you and your individual circumstances. Have fun along the way, our kids are only in school for a short time compared to the rest of their lives.
Check in often
My last tip is to check in often with your child's teacher and school team and to make yourself available as someone who is helpful and supportive. From my experience, no news is rarely ever good news , at least when it comes to my son. I find frequent, informal contact with his school team effective.
When Kellen was younger, it worked out very well for me to volunteer in his classroom once a week. I was able to get to know the other students, role-model for others how I relate to my son, and see for myself how things worked around the school. At first he didn't do well with me in the classroom and I almost discontinued volunteering, but his Kindergarten teacher felt that it would be important for me to stay involved with his classroom for many years to come, so she encouraged me by letting me know that she would support us by redirecting Kellen when he was distracted by my being there. Sure enough, over time, he learned to ignore my presence and continue on with whatever activity he was involved in when I arrived.
Other years, I stayed in touch by sending a communication notebook back and forth to school or using email to check in. Although Kellen normally rode the school bus, in elementary school there was usually once a week that he had private speech therapy before or after school. On those days I could check in for a couple of minutes with his teacher as I dropped him off or picked him up.
I also found it helpful to volunteer on the school's leadership team when my time allowed. I was able to learn more about the culture of the school and get to know the principal and other teachers. It's helpful to build relationships during good times as then when problems develop, you have a foundation to work from.
Every parent has their own style of advocacy. Take from these tips what works for you and your individual circumstances. Have fun along the way, our kids are only in school for a short time compared to the rest of their lives.