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School, early services & support
For early childhood and beyond.
Working with providers collaboratively
You are the expert on your child. Providers bring different expertise. Bring notes about what you see at home, and ask questions like “What does this look like here compared to at home?”
Understanding accommodations
Accommodations change how a child learns or takes part, not what they’re expected to learn. Common examples are movement breaks, picture schedules, a quiet space, headphones, and extra time for transitions.
In the U.S., children under 3 can be evaluated through Early Intervention. From age 3, your local public school district handles preschool special education services.
Preparing for preschool or school
- Visit the classroom before the first day if you can.
- Take photos of the room and teacher to look at together at home.
- Share a one-page “About my child” with staff.
Advocating without confrontation
- Put requests in writing so everyone has the same record.
- Start with questions: “Can you help me understand…?”
- You can bring a partner, friend, or advocate to meetings.
ONE SMALL THING TO TRY
Draft an “About my child” page: what they love, what calms them, how they communicate, and what’s hard.
Curated links for this topic are being reviewed and will be added here. Know a good one? Suggest a resource.
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