Do you think that your child may have a learning disability, serious emotional disturbance, or may qualify for special services? The website for the National Center for Learning Disabilities (ncld.org) has a plethora of information detailing the different types of learning disabilities, warning signs, your child’s rights, and information about Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and 504 plans.

In order for your child to get qualify for an IEP they must have a formal evaluation. Parents may request an evaluation through a letter, and a sample of this can be found on the NCLD website. If your child qualifies, they are entitled to a formal plan that describes how the school will support your child’s needs. There is often confusion regarding the differences between IEPs and 504 plans. A 504 plan can be given to a child who has an identified learning disability or Attention-Deficit-Hyperactivity Disorder but does not meet the requirements of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) for special education services and supports (an IEP). In other words, the 504 Plan is a way that needed accommodations can still be given to help your child succeed in school, even when they did not qualify for an IEP. A detailed comparison of IEPs and 504 plans, including funding, requirements, services, and who is protected, can be found here http://www.ncld.org/disability-advocacy/learn-ld-laws/adaaa-section-504/section-504-idea-comparison-chart.

Speak with your child’s school if you have any concerns and see specifically how they handle testing, IEPs, and 504 plans. Every parent has the right to request that their child be evaluated if they have concerns. Again, for much more information, please look to ncld.org.

The post Does my child need an IEP or 504 Plan? first appeared on Lutheran Family and Children's Services of Missouri.

1) Try to determine the reason behind the behavior
Every behavior is about trying to get some need met. It may be that they’re hungry, tired or need some socialization. Young children often aren’t able to recognize their need in order to get it met in a constructive way. It’s our job to try and find out the need so we can teach them better ways to get those needs met in the future.

2) You can’t do time-out if you haven’t done time-in
Silly, yes, but also true. Kids are like ATM’s. If you want to make a withdrawal (discipline), you have to make sure you’re making enough deposits (quality time and praise).

3) Explain, explain, explain! You’re dealing with developing brains
The human brain isn’t finished developing until about age 25! That means our little ones have a long way to go. Not only do they need clear explanations of rules, consequences and the right thing to do, but they need those things repeated to them often. They may remember the rule, but thinking through the consequences is probably not something their brain has gotten to yet.

4) Consistency!!!
If it’s a rule today it should be a rule tomorrow. Kids need consistency in their lives. Not only does this help them to know what’s expected of them but it also helps them to have a sense of security. When things are constantly changing it can be a scary world.

5) Every feeling is acceptable and should be honored, but not every behavior is
You may want to teach them to stop a certain behavior but that doesn’t mean that your child’s feelings aren’t valid. We all need to know that it’s okay to have our feelings. Sadness, anger, frustration, joy. This can be as simple as saying “you may not have a cookie right now because we’re going to eat dinner. I see that makes you sad and it’s okay to feel sad, but we have to eat dinner before we have cookies.”

6) PRAISE!
Notice good behavior and make a big deal out of it! We do it when they’re learning to walk and talk but somehow as they get older we tend to do less and less of it. Kids need it just like babies do. It encourages them to keep trying. The day is filled with opportunities for praise. When they put their dishes in the sink, make their bed, brush their teeth on their own, share a toy, etc. Make it a challenge to yourself to find the good they do and the good in them and when you see it point it out!

The post Six Tips for Parents first appeared on Lutheran Family and Children's Services of Missouri.