Help! My Special Needs Child is in an Inclusion Class

3 Steps to Access School Inclusion Supports

by April's Child Expert: Dr. June Stride (View more articles - Print Article)


Knowledge is Power!

How informed are you about inclusion? Do you know how the school intends to educate your child in an inclusion setting? Take time to inform yourself. Your up front effort will save time and stress later if/when a difficulty should arise.

 Step 1: Obtain and read copies of any:

·      school administrative documents about inclusion given to staff, parents or students as well as the school handbook.

·      district administrative documents about inclusion given to staff, parents or students as well as the district policy handbook.

Determine overall district /school position and how they have notified the staff and the public. Do not be hesitant to ask the administration for clarification. 

 Step 2: Identify Supports

·      School psychologists or guidance counselors can help with scheduling, counseling, behavioral and parental issues as well as a course of action regarding a particular student or concern.

·      Nurses may provide the usual medical support but also related issues dealing with students’ personal needs, drug abuse, and sometimes friendly and concerned mentoring.

·      Security staff may make life easier for your special needs student if aware of how to more effectively support special needs.

·      Administrative personnel can assist in ‘making things happen’ when they recognize your efforts with inclusion. Your positive attitude may well encourage them to be available at the time of your pressing need.

Step 3: Construct an Inclusion Support Contact Log

Name

Position

Phone

E-mail

Time Available

Type of Support
 

Principal

        
 

Ass’t. Principal

        
 

Dean

        
 

Psychologist

        
 

Nurse

        
 

Guidance Counselor

        
 

Social Worker

        
 

Custodian

        
 

Security Guard

        
 

Cafeteria Worker

        
 

Bus Driver

        
 

Secretary

        
 

District Administrator

      

 



Author Profile

Brief Bio
Dr. June Stride: author, parent, teacher, administrator, spokesperson and public speaker, shares with readers a wealth of experience and expertise that few can equal. With a professional background that encompasses work with students K through post high school ages, of exceptional abilities and disabilities, in the public and the private sector, as well as in a maximum security prison for youthful offenders, Dr. Stride brings to her writing a concern and perspective as a mother, a teacher, an administrator and an Ed. D.

Honors and Awards: Who’s Who in American Education, Who’s Who in the World, Who’s Who of American Women, Who’s Who, Honorary Life Member of NY State Congress of Parents and Teachers, Healthy Living Award for Images book series, top ten best educational publications.
Publications:
Co-author: Images Human Sexuality series: Changes,Choices,and Challenges
Co-author: Street Smarts, A Substance Abuse Prevention Program
Author: Practical Strategies for High School Inclusion of Students with Behavior Disabilities
Author: Practical Strategies for Elementary School Inclusion 

 Author: Briefcase One: Inclusion Essentials for Middle and High School

 Author: Briefcase Two: Inclusion Collaboration for Middle and High School

 Author: Briefcase Three: Inclusion Assessment and Evaluation for Middle and High School

 Author Connections1: Social Story Reader for the Developmentally Disabled (in press)


Dr. Stride is a recognized advice columnist responding to the needs and concerns of parents and educators at her TIPS website, www.drjunestride.com

Dr. June Stride
junestride@marcocable.com,
921 Seagrape Drive #302
Marco Island, Florida 33145
#239-642-9092