Being a parent is a difficult job and it's one that most of us carry while holding down other responsibilities as well. This is why it is important to take time aside now and then and be sure you're being the type of parent you really want to be.
Do you remember to give your children praise on a regular basis? It doesn't matter how old your child is, they still need to get approval from their parents on a regular basis. You need to be sure you find something to praise your child for each and every day.
Because it is our job to correct our children when they make mistakes and to teach them the right ways to go about things in life, it makes it very easy to cross the line into nagging. When you harp on your child all the time and forget to give them praise and show your appreciation for the things they do, it can start to play on the child's self esteem.
It's important that you thank your child for good behavior and that you reward them for doing well in school, following the rules and helping around the house. A simple word of praise from a parent can mean a great deal to a child. They need to know that you recognize their efforts and that you appreciate them and the things that they do.
Don't allow yourself to get so wrapped up in the teaching process that you forget to spend time celebrating the great things your children do. It's a harsh world out there and children need the comfort that comes from a loving parent at home. One way in which you can provide this is by remembering to praise them for a job well done.
Bottom line:
1. When advocating for your child, remember that; transportation not only means to and from school, but also in and around the school building, and any specialized equipment required by your child.
2. Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act prevents discrimination on the basis of disability. The law reads: No qualified student shall on the basis of handicap, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or otherwise be subjected to discrimination under any . . .transportation. . .or activity.
For Example: Your child with a physical disability is not allowed to go on a field trip, because the class cannot get the wheelchair bus. This would be a section 504 complaint, because your child is being discriminated against, on the basis of their disability. I have dealt with this situation, and the school district usually quickly fixes the transportation problem, if you tell them that you may file a Section 504 complaint. Section 504 is covered by the Office of Civil Rights in Washington, though each state has at least one office.
3. If your child requires an assistant in the classroom then you may be able to get a bus assistant, if your child's disability requires it. The goal of transportation as a related service is to provide safe access to education. So if your child needs a bus assistant in order to get safely to school, school personnel are required to provide it.
4. If your school district is not providing needed transportation for your child, you can be reimbursed, for providing the transportation yourself. Make sure that your child's IEP, states that they need transportation as a related service, and that you will be reimbursed.
A district may also be required to reimburse parents where:
A. Transportation is needed to provide FAPE and the district fails to meet its obligation.
B. The district doesn't recognize the need for transportation.
C. The district makes inadequate provisions for transportation.
B. The district doesn't recognize the need for transportation.
C. The district makes inadequate provisions for transportation.
5. If your child's extracurricular activity is related to their IEP goals and objectives, then transportation must be given. For Example: If your child has autism and needs to work on social skills, they can gain that from extra curricular activities. In that case transportation needs to be given by your school district.
6. School districts are not allowed to shorten your child's school day due to transportation. Unfortunately it happens all the time, and you may have to stand up to special education personnel for the good of your child.
IDEA gives children with disabilities equal educational opportunity, which means a full school day. I have often said that if parents of children without disabilities found out there child was to leave school early for transportation, they would be outraged. But parents of special needs children are supposed to accept it. Do not accept it, stand up for your child.
Article source : JoAnn collins and lisa mason
