Review Your Child's Individualized Education Program

• If your child attended public school, at the end of the school year, sit down with your child's teacher to discuss their progress. With your special needs child, it's not solely about what your child learned and his or her strengths and weaknesses in terms of math and English. 
• You'll receive feedback about your child's behaviors rather than just what he or she learned, so be prepared to discuss meltdowns as well as deficits related to responsibility and defiance.
• Compare the staff's end-of-the-year progress with your student's IEP. Determine if you felt the school carried out their responsibility implementing your child's IEP. Evaluate the relevance of your student's IEP because it changes as your child develops.
• If your child attended a behavioral school, like the Harbor school, the end of year evaluation may look a little different. You will meet with more than one or two teachers who worked with your child. The evaluation process at Harbor actually happens on ongoing basis throughout the year, where you will receive more frequent reports and notifications on how the individualized education program for your child is working, whether adjustments have been made and what areas need to be further developed.

The school year is an ideal time to talk to your child about his or her goals, if possible. By knowing what your child wants to learn or is struggling with, you can help an instructor create a plan with your child in mind.

Teaching in general is hard, and it's even more difficult for teachers in behavioral schools. End this year right by thanking the staff for all they've done for you and your child.

It's important to show your child the significance of showing gratitude, and it's also important to let the staff know you appreciate their time and commitment to your child.