I Think My Child Needs Help at School — Where Do I Start?

If your child is struggling at school, you do not have to figure out the whole system first. Start by writing down what you are seeing, share those specific concerns with your child's teacher, and ask the school what supports are available. If concerns continue, you can contact the school's Child Study Team and put a request for an evaluation in writing.

Asking questions or requesting an evaluation does not mean your child will or will not qualify for special education. Only the school team, working with you and using evaluation information, can make that determination.

Specific examples help far more than general worry. Over a week or two, jot down short notes such as:

• What is hard — reading, writing, math, attention, following directions, friendships, transitions, staying regulated.
• When and where it happens, and how often.
• What seems to help and what seems to make it harder.
• What your child says about school, and what homework time looks like.

Keep these notes in one folder with report cards, work samples, progress reports and any outside evaluations or medical reports you already have.

The teacher sees your child in the school setting every day, and most schools expect families to start here. Email or call to request a short meeting, and bring your notes.

Useful questions to ask:

• What are you seeing in the classroom?
• How is my child doing compared to what is expected at this grade level?
• What have you already tried, and how did my child respond?
• What supports or strategies can be tried next in the classroom?
• Who else at the school can help us look at this?

After the meeting, send a brief follow-up email summarizing what you discussed and what was agreed. This creates a simple record for both of you.

New Jersey schools are expected to have a process for reviewing learning, behavior and health concerns for general education students and planning classroom interventions. Districts often refer to this as intervention and referral services or a similar building level team. Ask the teacher, counselor or principal how your school's process works and how progress will be tracked.

Classroom supports and interventions are not the same thing as special education, and one is not a substitute for the other. You can continue asking about an evaluation at any point if your concerns are not resolved.

Every New Jersey school district has a Child Study Team. This is the group of school professionals involved in evaluating students and in special education planning. Consider contacting them when:

• Concerns continue after the teacher and school have tried classroom supports.
• You suspect a disability may be affecting your child's learning or school functioning.
• Your child has an outside diagnosis or evaluation and you want the school to review it.
• You feel your questions are not getting a clear answer.

Ask the school office or check your district website for the Child Study Team contact information for your child's school.

Parents can request that the district consider evaluating their child. Put the request in writing so there is a clear, dated record. A simple written request usually includes:

• Your child's full name, date of birth, school and grade.
• A short, plain description of your concerns and examples.
• A clear sentence stating that you are requesting an evaluation to determine whether your child is eligible for special education and related services.
• Any reports or evaluations you are attaching.
• Your name, the date, and how you prefer to be contacted.

Send it to the Child Study Team or the district's director of special services, and copy the principal. Email works well because it timestamps your request. Keep a copy for your folder.

After a written request, New Jersey rules set timelines for the district to meet with you and decide whether to evaluate. Ask the district in writing what the timeline is for your request, and confirm current requirements on the New Jersey Department of Education Office of Special Education website.

Families who keep records find it much easier to follow up later. Save:

• Emails and letters to and from the school, with dates.
• Your written evaluation request and any response.
• Report cards, progress reports and work samples.
• Evaluation reports, meeting invitations and any plan documents.
• A running log of who you spoke with, when, and what was said.

You can also ask the school in writing for copies of your child's educational records.

SPAN Parent Advocacy Network is a New Jersey nonprofit that provides information, training and support to families navigating education and disability systems.

1-800-654-SPAN (7726)

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