As parent-teacher meetings and report cards approach, many families are feeling increasing tension. For children struggling in school, this period can be filled with anxiety, with the fear of disappointing parents weighing heavily on their minds. For busy parents, this time can be equally frustrating and overwhelming. Many feel unsure of how to help their children succeed and often need more knowledge about the supports available within the school system or how to access them.
The following steps can help parents effectively support their children’s learning needs.
Step 1: Document and talk to the teacher
If you’re concerned about your child’s academic progress, the first step is to document your specific worries, including detailed observations and examples of your child’s work that illustrate these concerns. Next, initiate an open and honest conversation with the teacher, presenting your documented examples to communicate your concerns. Teachers often provide valuable suggestions for additional support that can be implemented both at school and at home.
Step 2: Escalate concerns
Follow up with the teacher if the initial support does not lead to improvement. Ask if the teacher shares your concerns; if they do, consider escalating the conversation. Most schools have a “school-based team” that typically includes the principal, special education/resource teacher and experienced educators. Teachers can present their concerns during school-based team meetings, which can generate new strategies for supporting the student.
In more significant cases, the special education/resource teacher might intervene directly, conducting academic assessments to determine if the child is performing at grade level or providing additional learning support. At this stage, other professionals, such as speech-language pathologists, occupational therapists or counsellors, may also become involved.
Step 3: Consider a psycho-educational assessment
If additional support doesn’t lead to improvement, the next step is often a psycho-educational assessment. School boards may conduct these assessments but wait times can be lengthy. Early intervention is vital to better outcomes, so if your child is waiting too long, consider seeking a private assessment. Community-based psychologists can perform these evaluations – just ensure the psychologist is properly licensed.
A psycho-educational assessment helps us understand a student’s learning profile by providing specific insights into their strengths, challenges, learning disabilities and unique needs. It can be crucial in identifying potential support, as well as funding for it, and unlocking a child’s full learning potential.
Private assessments can be costly, usually between $3,500 and $4,000. Some costs may be covered by extended health plans or grants. Indigenous children may access support through Jordan’s Principle. Families can also claim assessment costs as a medical expense on their taxes. To maximize coverage, consider scheduling assessments that straddle calendar years.
Sometimes, psycho-educational assessments can indicate that a child’s daily functioning is significantly restricted, which may qualify them for a disability tax credit. This credit can sometimes be backdated to reflect the onset of their challenges, allowing families to claim benefits for the period when the difficulties first began.
Step 4: Develop an Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
If the assessment results in a diagnosis, the school board can formally identify your child as having special needs, leading to the development of an Individualized Education Plan (IEP). This plan outlines personalized goals, adaptations and services to support your child’s success. An IEP helps ensure that your child receives prioritized support, and once it is established, the school is typically required to review and update it annually to address your child’s evolving needs.
Step 5: Seek external tutoring if needed
Sometimes a school’s resources may not adequately meet your child’s needs. If that happens, consider seeking external tutoring options that provide specific support. Look into local tutoring services or learning centres specializing in subjects your child struggles with, such as reading, math or study skills. High quality tutoring can range from $50 to $75 an hour.
It can be beneficial to ask your child’s teacher, school counsellor or psychologist for recommendations on reliable tutors. They often know local options that have worked well for other students.
Additionally, explore online tutoring platforms, which offer flexibility and access to a broader range of experts. Seeking external tutoring can be valuable to ensure your child receives the assistance they need to succeed academically.
Dr. Jillian Roberts is a research professor of educational psychology at the University of Victoria. She is also a practising registered psychologist in B.C., Alberta and NWT. She specializes in child psychology, known for her expertise in navigating the complexities of children’s emotional and mental well-being.