SCHOOL YEARS

The school-age years bring new and exciting challenges and rewards for children. The school-age child develops a sense of personal competence using feedback from important adults and peers in their lives as well as their own self-evaluation. During this time, they learn basic academic and social skills, forming the basis of their future learning. Additionally, children begin to develop important aspects of self-awareness and make social comparisons that help them understand who they are.

As a parent, it’s important to be involved in your child’s education. Watch how your child takes in information. Monitor your child’s growth to help ensure he/she is growing academically, socially and behaviorally. It is also very important to understand what can be done to meet your child’s individual needs. Find out about your child’s school, its educational style, grading methods and get to know your child’s teachers.

Join the parent’s association and The Educational Excellence School Advisory Council (EESAC) which is the sole body responsible for final decision making at the school relating to the implementation of the components of the School Performance Excellence Plan. The EESAC’s function is to bring together all stakeholders and involve them in an authentic role in decisions which affect instruction and the delivery of programs. Be the voice of your special education student in the school.

Disabilities are challenging. Families must find new routines. Juggling schedules brings stress. Yet goals will be met and change is possible. You are teaching your family to be advocates, your child to be a self-advocate and maybe even activists. Perhaps, not what you thought would be part of your parenting. But you are still making your parenting and family memories along this path. Empower yourself and your family through groups for connection and change.