Any adult knows that it is important to keep a record of everything. I have written several blogs concerning my son and our journey with autism. One lesson that I have learned early and that applies to many areas of adult life is that documentation is vital. When a parent is requesting services for their child, making a complaint, asking for a review, etc.; Always make sure it is written. When a request is made verbally there is always an opportunity for the other side to say that there was never a request.
When a complaint is made and there is no evidence of the complaint there is always an opportunity for the other side to say, "I never was made aware of a problem." With my son I have had several problems with the Hunters Glen Elementary staff not wanting to be accountable for their actions and the role that they play in my son's education. My best friend in this uphill battle is the e-mail. I make sure that every request or concern that I make is written down. I save a copy for myself and at ARD meetings I present a copy to each member present as well as a copy to be put in my son's file. Not to say that anything bad will ever happen, but there is always the possibility. I have learned in my short time on this earth that it is always better to be safe than sorry.
Parents make sure that you do not leave the fate of your children in the school's hands. It is important for you to remain active in the progress and development of your children both special needs and normally functioning. Children are motivated to do well when they feel that there are people standing in their corner rooting for them to be the best that they can be. I find that my son performs much better when he has my undivided attention. When I am answering e-mails, studying, working, etc. he doesn't put his best foot forward. At homework time I make sure there are no distractions so that we can spend that quality time with one another. He always finishes quicker when we do it this way and the work is more accurate than when there are distractions.
