Common Questions
If you have a question that isn't answered here, please contact us at Division Office.
Information for Parents of Students with Special Needs
As a parent what is my role?
Being an informed and contributing member of your child’s learning team means:
- Participating in decisions that affect your child’s education
- Giving your written and informed consent for any specialized assessments.
- Being fully informed of the school’s and district’s programs
- Providing relevant information that could affect your child’s learning and behaviour at school.
- Receiving information on your child’s learning and growth from teachers, principals and other district staff.
- Having access to information in your child’s school files, including results of specialized assessments and repairs.
- Being consulted before your child is placed in a special educational program.
- Receiving reports on your child’s progress at regular intervals during the school year.
- Providing your written authorization for any additional services your child might need.
- Being consulted on and giving informed written consent to your child’s individualized program plan (IPP).
- Questioning decisions that you do not think will best serve your child’s learning needs and working with the team to find a better solution.
Who do I contact if I am concerned about my child’s development and feel they need more help?
Teacher, Principal, Chinook’s Edge Division Office. In an addition to regular programming we also provide a range of specialized programs within the classroom to meet the unique needs of our students. If you believe that your child requires additional resources, please talk to your child’s teacher to discuss your child’s needs and progress.
What community services are available?
Children with special needs and their families may access a variety of services in the community. Depending on the needs of the child, these could include psychologist, medical doctors, psychiatrists, social workers, behavioural specialists and other professionals. These members of the learning team can help meet a variety of health and social-emotional needs.
How do I advocate for my child?
An advocate is a person who speaks up for, acts on behalf of, or supports someone else. You are the person who best knows your child’s strengths, personality, challenges and successes. You will be the constant throughout your child’s schooling. Advocacy is a natural part of being a parent. The best advocates are skilled at maintaining positive working relationships while creating win-win solutions. They have a clear realistic vision of what they want for their children, and they are able to communicate this vision to others.