Back to School Checklist for Parents

There are so many things to remember to do when it’s time for school! School supplies, uniforms, shoes, shots…the list seems endless, doesn’t it? Well, just when you thought you had a handle on your “to do” list, along comes more details because now you know your child has a learning difference known as dyslexia.

Understand and Support your Child

• Educate yourself about dyslexia and how it will affect everything.
• Believe that your child can learn and work hard to instill that belief in her.
• Help your child at home according to the way he can learn best.
• Emphasize your child’s interests and talents.

Prepare to Talk with Your Child’s Principal and Teachers about Needs

• Make an appointment to discuss academic needs with the school principal and/or classroom teacher.
• Prepare for your school meetings by making lists of your questions or concerns and accommodations you will request for your child.
• Read your child’s latest assessment report to refresh your memory of the challenges they are facing.

Meet with School Leaders

• Form a partnership with the administrators and teachers by attending all meetings with a cooperative attitude.
• Provide a copy of any information you have collected outside of school. Always keep your originals.
• Discuss your child’s challenges in a factual and unemotional manner.
• Share your questions and your list of requests.
• Ask what will be done differently in specialized or remedial classes.

Collaborate with the School Principal and Teachers

• Maintain a partnership with the school principal and your child’s teachers. Keep the lines of communication open with an attitude of respect and cooperation.
• Visit with the teacher and emphasize what specific accommodations are needed to prepare your child for success in the classroom. This would be the perfect time to request recorded textbooks be made available at school.

Plan to Repeat as Necessary Every Year

• Like it or not, you will need to do these same things every year.
• Keep a smile on your face and copies of everything.

As you improve your skills in advocating for your child’s needs to be met, realize you are modeling for your child. Training in self-advocacy doesn’t begin two weeks before your child turns 18. Always discuss upcoming meetings and seek your child’s input regarding the topics to be addressed. When you feel your child is mature enough to participate in the meetings, ask that he/she be summoned from class to join the discussion. Even if he/she watches you and doesn’t speak up, he/she is learning how to negotiate and problem solve. He/She will speak up and become an active participant when the time is right.