Blog: How to be the Best School Parent You Can Be

The school year is winding down...only 12 days left. (But who's counting?)

If you are the parent of a child with special needs or an IEP, you know all to well how draining advocating for your child can be.

Dr. Peter Jensen shares some wonderful words of wisdom to help keep parents on track as they navigate the system in his book "Making the System Work for your Child with ADHD."

Just because the school year is coming to an end does not mean advocating for your child has to.

Reach out to the Child Study Team with your concerns.  Use the summertime wisely...

Prepare now for the 2011-2012 school year. Here are some pointers on being the best School Parent you can be from Jensen's book:

1. Be present as much as possible.
2. No matter how angry you may get with particular teachers, continue to try to work as a  team with them.
3. Praise and encourage the teachers who appear to go the extra mile for your child,  because if it weren't for them,  your job as a parent would be a lot worse. (my favorite)
4. Visit the school as much as possible.  Stay involved!
5. Above all, stay informed of your child's rights in the IEP process.
6. Let the teachers know you're on their side, but that you always have your child's best interest at heart.
7. Teach your children how to advocate for themselves, so that it becomes second nature to them.
8. Never stop voicing your concerns!
9. Keep an open and proactive relationship with the school.
10. Be realistic about your child's situation (don't go into the school acting like your child is perfect,  when you know he's not.  It just puts the school on the defensive and shuts down communications).

Have a tip to share with other school parents?  Please share!