Problem Solving

If you are concerned that your child's special education needs are not being met at school, talk with your child's teachers or principal as soon as any problems arise. It is very important that you have a partnership based on mutual trust. It is also important to tell your child's school when things are going well, not only when things are going wrong!

Steps to problem solving

Step 1 - Know the school

Ask for a copy of the school's charter or strategic plan and their policy on meeting special education needs. Find out who you should talk to and the best time to talk to them about your child.

Step 2 - Prepare

Gather information, making sure it is accurate. Talk through issues with people you trust such as other parents of children with special education needs and support groups in your area. These people will listen, suggest options, and help you make a plan and provide advice on how to approach the school, including who you might like to take with you for support. You could also talk to specialists who know your child and their needs.

Step 3 - Discuss

Keep the debate as non-emotive as possible:

• Concentrate on resolving the problem, not on being rigid about achieving a set goal.
• Focus on the issue, the needs and your concerns, not on the person you are talking to.
• Identify all the options and then develop the ones that may provide solutions.
• Listen to the school's perspective, their needs and issues and offer positive suggestions. There are always two sides.
• Be constructive - support what is legitimate and fair.
• Be persistent - take a long-term view, and keep communication lines open.
• Have a positive vision for your child's future.

Step 4 - Resolve

When you have come to an agreement, write it down and develop a plan. It may contain the same goals and resources provided in your child's Individual Education Programme (IEP).

If you fail to reach an agreement, discuss your options for taking your case to the school's board of trustees or other parties. If you want to, take a friend or advocate for support. You could also talk to the key people that are involved before the meeting individually, so that they are aware of your child's needs when they are presented. This will at least prepare you, and provide you with information on their likely response, before you go along.

If you are not comfortable about approaching the board of trustees, talk to a Ministry of Education, National Operations student support manager. They will be able to help you decide what to do next. Your local Ministry of Education, Special Education (GSE) office will be able to provide you with their contact details.

The student support manager may refer you to a special education facilitator. Read the webpage, Who can help if I'm having difficulty with my child's school? for more information on what special education facilitators do and who is eligible to receive this service.

For more information, please

phone your nearest GSE office
phone the Special Education Information Line 0800 622 222
or you can email special.education@minedu.govt.nz.

Also, you could call a parent support group or disability service provider.

Information is also available if you are receiving specialist services from the Ministry of Education, Special Education (GSE) and you wish to make a complaint about those services or the staff delivering them. For further details, read the Complaints process brochure.