...do's and don'ts

Whether your child is receiving a just few supports and accommodations throughout their day on a 504 plan or multiple supports at school and at home on an IEP, there are some important things to keep in mind during these years.

Do prepare for meetings and don't be late. Try to arrive early and if you can't keep your appointment be sure to call ahead and let the school know. Often times a great deal of coordination and rearranging of schedules has gone into the planning of your childs meeting to assure that everyone that should be there will be there. A reschedule date could be weeks away.

Do dress for success. Although dressing to the nines is probably not necessary, casual cut-offs and a halter top would not be appropriate either. Something business like and professional leaves a much better impression.

Do ask questions and seek answers...the truth is out there. Remember the only stupid question is the one that you don't ask. Document any issues that you want brought up and the responses to them.

Do pick your battles. and conserve your mental and emotional energy.Not all issues bear the same weight. prioritize your childs needs.

Do table issues.Not all meetings have to be drawn out to the point of fist-to- cuffs and not everything needs to be decided at one meeting.

Do maintain a positive attitude whenever possible-even ... if you have to fake it.A non-adversarial approach is recommended as a practice whenever possible, and can often keep a potentially contentious situation at bay.