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SUPPORTING MY CHILD AT HOME AND AT

SCHOOLLos Angeles Unified School District

Division of Special Education

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OUTCOMESParents will:

Explore practices to better understand their child’s learning interest and challenges

Identify opportunities for learning

Become informed about Internet resources

Be aware of resources for parenting a child with special needs

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What Can You Do at Home?

Opportunities for learning are everywhere Language Arts: Listening, Speaking,

Reading, and Writing

What ideas do you have?

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More Ideas for Exploring Language Arts with Your

Child Lists and menusInstructions and recipes Books, magazines and printed materials Read to your child;read with your

child;let your child read to you Ask different kinds of questions

content, critical thinking, evaluation

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More Ideas for Exploring Language Arts with Your

ChildAsk your child to write Names, words, lists, notes An explanation, a story, a letter

Use the public libraryGive oral directionsTeach a song, poem, rhyme or sayingBe attentive, respectful, encouraging

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Exploring Mathematics with Your Child

Count with your childExplore Number Operations: add, subtract, multiply,divideLook for shapesUse cooking as an opportunity for measuringSolve problems together

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Go Exploring with Your Child

Aquarium of the PacificCalifornia Science CenterGriffith ParkLos Angeles County Museum of the ArtsNature walks and neighborhood walksBeachesSports activitiesShopping malls and restaurants

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Any activity can be turned into a learning activity…If you see yourself as a

guide to learning

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Gather & Organize Information about Your

Child

Keep records in a file or notebook: what should be included? Information sheet with photo Medical and dental records Academic records, report cards Copy of the IEP Log of interactions with school

personnel and other service providers: names, dates, results

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Gather and Organize Information about Your

child

Copies of correspondenceNotices of school eventsAny awards or recognition

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On-going Interaction with the School

Parent should: Get to know your school Be familiar with key people in your

child’s school life Pre-plan for the Individualized

Education Program (IEP) team meeting Use the IEP and You to review what takes place in

this meeting: booklet/ audio/ video Review your child’s IEP; go over goals

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Preparing for the IEP Team Meeting

Keep a log about your learning activities with your child Strengths/likes Weaknesses/dislikes Activities/reactions to activities Significant behaviors – routine, social,

emotional

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Preparing for the IEP Team Meeting

Parent can request: A pre-conference with the teacher

and other school personnel who will participate in their child’s IEP

A student’s written records Results of academic assessments and

psycho-educational assessment

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Make a note of any questions or concerns you wish to raise with professionals

Consult and/or collaborate with a supportive person

Talk with your child

Preparing for the IEP Team Meeting

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Parent Participation at an IEP Team Meeting

Parents: Be prepared to share information

about your child

Plan to participate, ask questions and problem-solve

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Internet Resources

For access: Inquire at your school, the public

library recreation and community centers

Training possibilities Websites

www.lausd.net http://sped.lausd.net www.nichcy.org

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Parent Committees & Councils

School Site Councils and CommitteesParent Teacher Association (PTA)Community Advisory Committee (CAC)Special Education Multicultural Advisory Committee (sub-committee of CAC)English Learner Advisory Committee (ELAC)Educational Service Center Delegate ConveningCentral District Advisory Committees

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Parent Activities

CAC Parent TrainingsPRN/CRU Parent TrainingsAnnual Parent ConferenceFall & Spring Special Education Parent trainings at each ESC.Proactive Parent Leadership Cadre (PPLC)Very Special Arts Festival

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Parent Resources

Special Education informational training series for parents on KLCS

Division website http://sped.lausd.net

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Parents!A Child’s First Teacher

Your active participation in your child’s life (home and school) is vital

Make it a habit you can’t break!