How to Help Support Your Child with Special Education Learning Needs at Home

Students with special needs are often supported with an Individualized Education Plan (IEP).

Individualized Education Plan (IEP) accommodations are designed to support students in accessing their education. While these accommodations are typically implemented in a school setting, there are ways to adapt and utilize them at home to support the continuation of your child’s learning.

Here’s how you can do it:

Review the IEP: Familiarize yourself with the accommodations outlined in your child’s IEP. This document should detail specific strategies and tools that help your child succeed in their learning environment.

Communicate with the School: Reach out to your child’s teacher or the IEP team to discuss how to adapt accommodations for home use. They can provide guidance on which accommodations are most critical and how to implement them effectively at home.

Create a Structured Environment: Establish a dedicated learning space at home that minimizes distractions and supports your child’s focus. This area should be equipped with the necessary tools and resources based on their accommodations.

Utilize Assistive Technology: If your child’s IEP includes assistive technology accommodations, these tools can also be used for learning at home. This might include specialized software, apps, or devices that assist with reading, writing, organization, or communication.

Encourage Self-Advocacy: Teach your child to advocate for their own needs by helping them understand their accommodations and how they can use them effectively at home. Encourage them to communicate with you about what support they require.

By implementing IEP accommodations at home, you can help your child continue to thrive in their education and support their individual learning needs. Remember that flexibility, communication, and collaboration are key to effectively adapting accommodations for the home environment.