How to Help Your Child At School: Navigating Resources, 504 Plans, and IEPs
As a parent, watching your child struggle in school can be incredibly hard, especially when you’re not sure what support they might need or how to help them. Many parents find themselves wondering how to best advocate for their child’s needs and navigate the process of getting additional support from the school. If this sounds familiar, know you’re not alone, and there are steps you can take to help your child thrive.
In this post, I’ll walk you through ways to communicate with the school, explore available support options, and, if needed, start the process of requesting a 504 Plan or an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). Let’s dive in and break it down step by step.
Start by Communicating with Your Child’s Teacher
One of the best first steps is a conversation with your child’s teacher. Teachers often see different sides of our kids, and sharing your concerns directly with them can provide valuable insight into what’s happening in the classroom. A simple email or call to set up a parent-teacher conference is a great place to start. This lets you have a dedicated time to discuss your child’s strengths, challenges, and any specific concerns you have, like focus, behavior, or academic struggles. Often, a teacher can offer helpful observations or suggest small adjustments that can make a big difference.
If your child is behind academically or struggling behaviorally, ask about what intervention programs or supports are available. Programs like Response to Intervention (RTI) can provide extra help for your child without the need for formal accommodations or a plan. These interventions are often the first step, and schools track your child’s progress to see if further support might be necessary. This can give you a chance to see if smaller adjustments in the classroom make an impact before moving forward with additional steps. For example, your school may have specialized reading groups or tutoring to help kids who are behind.
When to Consider a 504 Plan
If you find that classroom adjustments or intervention systems aren’t meeting your child’s needs, it might be time to consider a 504 Plan. A 504 Plan provides specific accommodations that help your child fully participate in the general education classroom. For instance, if your child has ADHD, a 504 Plan could provide accommodations like extra time on assignments, preferential seating, or scheduled breaks to help them focus and succeed.
To start this process, reach out to the teacher, school counselor, or school administrator to discuss whether a 504 Plan might be the right fit. They can guide you through the school’s steps for creating a plan and answer any questions along the way.
Requesting Testing for Special Education Services
If there are still concerns, or if your child’s challenges seem to go beyond what a 504 Plan can support, you may want to request testing for special education services. This is especially helpful if you’re noticing signs of a learning condition or a potential disability, such as Autism or an Emotional Disturbance, that might require more intensive support.
It’s best to submit this request in writing, as it formally starts the process and signals to the school that you’re serious about pursuing support. Once your request is received, the school will ask for your consent to begin evaluations. These evaluations may cover areas such as academic and achievement skills, speech and language, psychological functioning, behavioral concerns, or even dyslexia screening, if appropriate. Any area of concern will be assessed by a team of evaluators, who will also communicate with you throughout the process.
Understanding the Special Education Evaluation Process
One thing to know about school-based testing is that it’s a bit different from medical testing. Schools are looking to see if your child qualifies for special education services under educational guidelines rather than providing a medical diagnosis. This evaluation helps determine if your child’s needs would benefit from services like a special education teacher, speech therapy, or a special classroom or programming.
If your child qualifies, they will receive support through an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), which includes tailored goals and accommodations to support their learning and development.
The ARD Meeting and Creating an IEP
Once the evaluations are complete, the school will invite you to an Admission, Review, and Dismissal (ARD) meeting. This is where they’ll share the results of the evaluation and determine if your child qualifies for special education services. If they do, you’ll work together with the school to create an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) that outlines your child’s goals, needed services, and any specific accommodations.
This process can feel overwhelming, especially with all the educational jargon and moving parts, so remember—it’s okay to ask questions. Don’t hesitate to ask for clarification or more information about any part of the IEP.
Additional Resources and Support
The path to securing support for your child can sometimes feel like a winding one, but resources are available to help. Child Find is a program that ensures schools identify and support students who may have disabilities.
SpedTex is also a great website with resources for parents to help you understand your child’s disability, your rights, and responsibilities under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). As well, Understood.org also provides helpful ideas for classroom accommodations.
If your child is receiving mental health services, their provider can offer valuable recommendations for accommodations and tools to support the development of a 504 Plan or IEP. At Reach Counseling, our counselors collaborate closely with parents to provide tailored recommendations for supports and accommodations that meet your child’s unique needs.
Additionally, working with an advocate can be helpful if you ever feel like you need extra guidance. An advocate can attend meetings with you, help explain your options, and make sure your child’s needs are being fully met. If you are in Keller or the North Fort Worth area, Jill Esser from Inspired Ability provides educational advocacy and specializes in helping families through this process.
Embracing Your Child’s Unique Wiring
It’s important to remember that advocating for your child’s needs and seeking extra support at school doesn’t make your child “less-than.” In fact, it’s a powerful way to celebrate who they are and ensure they have the tools they need to succeed. Being neurodivergent—whether that means navigating ADHD, Autism, or another difference—simply means your child’s brain is wired differently. These differences often come with incredible strengths, like creativity, problem-solving, or resilience. At the same time, they may also require support in areas that don’t come as easily, and that’s okay.
Seeking a 504 Plan, an IEP, or other interventions is about leveling the playing field—not about fixing or changing who your child is. It’s about helping them access their education in a way that works for them. As a parent, advocating for your child is one of the most powerful acts of love and belief in their potential. By understanding and meeting their needs, you’re not only helping them thrive academically but also teaching them that their differences are something to be valued, not hidden.
Neurodivergent children deserve an environment where they feel seen, supported, and empowered to shine in their own unique way. When you advocate for your child, you’re helping to create that environment—and showing them that being different is a strength, not a weakness.
Conclusion
Remember, you’re not alone in this journey—your child’s teachers and school staff can be some of their greatest allies. Most educators are deeply committed to helping children succeed and are eager to work with you to meet your child’s needs. By partnering with the school, staying open to collaboration, and advocating for your child’s unique strengths and challenges, you can build a supportive team that empowers your child to thrive. Together, you can make a lasting difference in your child’s educational experience.
These steps—communicating with the teacher, exploring intervention systems, considering a 504 Plan, and, if needed, requesting special education services—are valuable tools to ensure your child gets the support they deserve. Whether it’s implementing the right accommodations or securing specialized services, advocating for your child is one of the most impactful ways you can support their growth and success.
