Special Needs Handbook | Page 12

MESSAGE TO PARENTS

The Special Education Needs Unit is committed to developing and implementing programs to meet the needs of diverse learners. The special education needs team provides supports and services to school aged and preschool students identified as having an educational disability.

You may not leap buildings in a single bound or run faster than a speeding bullet but you are a superhero none the less. Every day, you manage situations that a regular parent would think are impossible. You stretch tight muscles, remember pills, inject and infuse medicine. You hold hysterical children during horrendous medical procedures. You deal with tantrums and melt downs. And most often manage not to have a tantrum or melt down yourself. You encourage your child to do things doctors told you they would never do but you never gave up hope. You are a therapist, nurse, doctor, friend and confidante. You are no regular parent.

As the Parents/Guardians you need to:

•Become familiar with and informed about board policies and procedures in areas that affect the child

•Participate in parents/guardians teacher conferences, and other relevant school activities

•Participate in the development of the IEP

•Become acquainted with the school staff working with the student

•Support the student at home

•Work with the school principal and teachers to solve problems

•Make sure the student attend school

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S.E.N HANDBOOK