Special education is a program that helps students who have learning challenges. These challenges can be with learning, physical abilities, emotions, or development. Like some people need glasses to see better, some children need extra help to learn. Children in special education have a special teacher and a learning plan made just for them. If your child has trouble in regular classes, special education gives them extra support. This might mean smaller classes, different ways of teaching, or more time to learn. Schools want to help every child learn and do well, no matter what challenges they have. Special education is called different names. (example: Exceptional education)
If your child was in special education in a previous school, it is important to let people in your new school know. Let them know when you enroll your child or when your child transfers schools.
The special education department manages the classes your child takes.
How Special Education helps students
Individualized Learning Plans (IEPs): Each child gets a learning plan designed for him or her.
Extra support: Students may have smaller classes, more time on tests, or special teaching methods.
Special therapy: Some students receive therapy to help with different skills.
Speech therapy helps children with speech problems.
Physical therapy helps children with movement problems.
Occupational therapy helps children perform tasks by themselves.
Emotional and behavioral support: This helps students who have trouble with feelings or getting along with others.
Getting help for your child:
Special education helps many different students with their needs. It is not something you usually request as a parent. If your child’s teachers think your child needs this extra help, they will ask you to come in. They will talk about how they might help. They will also talk about the process. They may give your child extra help to decide what he or she needs. Feel free to ask for help if your child is struggling.