Does your child with autism have a massive amount of school records, and you are not sure what to do with them? Would you like a organized system, so that you can find important information at a moments notice? Then this article is for you; it will give you some parenting tips, on how to store your child’s special education records. Short and Long Term storage will be discussed.
Before you are ready to store your child’s records here are a few things to do first:
A. Get a complete copy of your child’s school record, from special education personnel, in your district. Put them in order, older records on the bottom, newer records on the top.
B. Number each document with a pencil. Do not write on original documents, use post it notes. That way, they can be copied later if needed.
C. Make a decision about how you want to keep the records; hanging files or in binders to put on a bookshelf.
D. Write or type a index for each binder or hanging file. Put the numbers of the documents, and also what is in the files. Be very specific, so that you can find what you need. For Example: Document 6, psychological from 04-11-07 includes academic testing, psychological testing, good statements about Bobbie’s educational needs. Social worker report includes great information about Bobbie’s adaptive skills.
Short Term Storage for current special educational records:
1. Go to an office supply store and buy clear Top Loading sheet protectors. You can buy them by the box. Also purchase a snap locking large ring binder, for short term storage of records.
2. Put each document in the protectors. This way they cannot be destroyed.
3. Put the current documents in a snap locking large ring binder, older documents on the bottom, newer documents on the top. Add the index to the front of the binder. If your child has a lot of current school records, you may need to purchase more than one binder.
Long Term Storage:
1. Go to an office supply store and buy clear top loading sheet protectors.
2. Also purchase Hanging storage binders or large 3 ring binders, whichever you have decided to use. If you choose 3 ring binders, make sure that the rings are large, so that they can fit more documents.
3. Place the records in the clear top loading sheet protectors, older on the bottom, and newer on the top. Then put in the binders.
4. Put an index in the beginning of each binder, and a date on each binder. You can separate the documents by years if you would like to.
5. Place the records in the binders. For the hanging storage binders you can put those in a file cabinet. The 3 ring binders can be put on a book shelf.
By knowing how to store your child’s school records, they will be organized and easy to find at a moments notice. Happy storing!
By: JoAnn Collins
Posts Tagged ‘Child Autism’
9 Tips That Will Increase Your Chance Of Winning A Special Education Due Process Hearing
November 27th, 2009
Would you like to learn some due process tips? Would you like to increase your chances of winning, to benefit your child with autism? This article will give you 8 tips that will help increase your chance of prevailing at a due process hearing, for your child.
1. Use a form to make it easier to file for a due process hearing. Every state board of education is required to have a due process form available for parents to use. The form is not mandatory, but can make filing easier.
The Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) of 2004 added a section where due process filings must be sufficient. What this means is that the due process request, must contain certain information. If the due process request does not contain this information, then the request can be denied by the hearing officer. To prevent this, you may want to use a form. Make the issues simple, and don’t forget to add specific resolutions (what you are asking the hearing officer to give your child).
2. If you have not filed for due process before, have another parent, advocate, or special education attorney, look at your due process request. Issues cannot be changed once the request is filed, unless special education personnel agree, or the hearing officer allows it.
3. Once you file for a due process hearing ask for a complete copy of your child’s school record. Most states have regulations that allow this. Ask for temporary, permanent, E mails, internal memos, audio and video recordings.
4. Due process hearings can be opened to the public or closed to the public.Some hearing officers will not allow sequestration of witnesses at an open hearing.
5. Insist on sequestration of witnesses for the due process hearing. This way special education witnesses cannot hear each other testify. It makes it easier to catch the lies and deceptions, during a due process hearing.
6. Ask the hearing officer to allow you to present your case first. This prevents special education personnel from bringing up irrelevant issues to muddy the waters. Some hearing officers will not allow a parent to go first, if the school district has the burden of proof; but try anyway.
7. Write your opening and closing, on the computer during your preparation time. This will allow you to change it as you see fit. Don’t forget to make references to IDEA and No Child Left Behind (NCLB) when appropriate. If the hearing goes over two days, do not print out your closing until the end of the first day. That way you can change the closing on the computer.
8. If you are conducting your child’s due process yourself, ask a friend or another parent to attend the hearing and take copious notes. The other person can watch body language, and can give you tips on things that you miss.
9. During the schools testimony you can make objections, to throw the school personnel off of track. The objections that I have heard are : irrelevancy, question already asked, objections to witnesses and documentation that hurts your case.
By using these 9 easy tips, you will well be on your way to prevailing at a due process hearing.
By: JoAnn Collins
