How, or who, do I ask for services when my child is struggling in school?

The first thing to do is to meet with your child's regular education teacher and discuss your concerns. Take samples of your child's work to show where you see the struggles. Ask the teacher if she has noticed any learning struggles or behavioral problems in the classroom and ask what she might suggest to help your child. Ask about the services that the school might be able to provide to increase your child's success. Sometimes a teacher may suggest that your child needs just a bit more time or another classroom approach. It is often fine to give this a chance as long as there is a date (a month to six weeks) to take another look at progress. However, if you and/or the teacher feel either now, or at the next meeting, that there may be a deeper learning issue, you should request a special education evaluation -- in writing! Once you make the request, dated and in writing, the clock starts running and the school/district must meet certain deadlines to test your child and meet with you (at an IEP/Special Education meeting) to discuss those results. Be sure to keep a copy of your dated request.