Inclusion Models
- If parents don't understand the special education system, they cannot optimally problem solve with the school. Consider referral to a parent network such as the Utah Parent Center.
- Encourage the family to maintain a collaborative working relationship with the school system, as opposed to viewing the school as "the bad guy."
- Parents should be encouraged to explore their options including observing and visiting the various educational settings.
- Parents should work with the child's current therapists/educators/and care providers to ensure optimal inclusion. The clinician can help identify current goals and the types of supports that will be needed to maintain safety, hygiene, and general health.
- When the setting recommended by the school is in conflict with the parent's wishes, unique problem solving may be necessary. Peer tutors or volunteer staff might be used to better include the child in a general classroom in a school with limited resources or periods of inclusion may be identified to increase peer interaction for the child in a contained classroom. Clinicians can encourage parents to talk with other parents, visit websites, seek help from support groups and/or obtain an educational consult to identify workable solutions.
- Limitations in staffing and varying philosophies about the use of one-on-one full time aids often lead to conflict between family and school systems. Clinicians should help the family weigh all factors carefully and encourage them to work though the school. Guard against offering dogmatic statements about the need for a one-on-one aid.
- Private therapies or outside tutoring can be used to focus on specific academic goals when the family desires to focus more on inclusion at school. The clinician should help the family identify these specific goals, available funding, and prescription of appropriate therapies.
- When communication breaks down, appeals and legal representation may be necessary. The clinician can refer the parents to appropriate agencies.
Resources
Information & Support
For Parents and Patients
A Guide to the Individualized Education Program (DOE)
Archived Information. Gives a detailed guide to the IEP process, along with information about special education and IEPs;
U.S. Department of Education.
Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
Official U.S. Department of Education website of the Individuals With Disabilities Education Act including Part B (ages 3-21)
and Part C (ages birth-2).
Services for Patients & Families in Idaho (ID)
Service Categories | # of providers* in: | ID | NW | Other states (5) (show) | | MT | NM | NV | RI | UT |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Educational Advocacy | 2 | 2 | 8 | 31 | 2 | 8 | 17 | |||
Legal Services, General | 30 | 2 | 22 | 117 | 56 | 3 | 60 |
For services not listed above, browse our Services categories or search our database.
* number of provider listings may vary by how states categorize services, whether providers are listed by organization or individual, how services are organized in the state, and other factors; Nationwide (NW) providers are generally limited to web-based services, provider locator services, and organizations that serve children from across the nation.