For parents and caregivers trying to support their children with learning differences, advocacy is essential, but it is not one-size-fits-all. It looks different for everyone and every situation. While there is no "best way" to do this, one thing is a must: it must be child-centered. It's about keeping your child's needs, growth, and well-being at the center without getting lost in the maze of the special education process, the formality of an IEP, or falling under the pressure of others' expectations.
To be a child-centered advocate, it's important to understand the special education process, but always with the aim of ensuring it serves your child's best interests. It's about getting to know and celebrating all the things that make your child unique and sharing those things with the educators they depend on. Every decision and action we take as advocates is about helping our kids succeed without giving up who they are.
Why is this approach so important?
As parents and caregivers, we have the power to make a big difference in our children's education. To do this well, we must ensure that our children are seen as individuals, not a diagnosis needing a prescription. As child-centered advocates, we don't get lost in the system—we make the system work for our children.
So, what does this look like?
It could be talking to your child to learn more about their experiences and sharing relevant stories with teachers. It could be respectfully disagreeing with a teacher when they say your kid needs to change, suggesting ways the learning environment could be adjusted. It could mean teaching your kids to speak up for themselves when they feel lost or how to use their strengths to help overcome a struggle. No matter what you do, it always starts with understanding your child and championing their journey.
Child-centered advocacy isn't procedural, it isn't about conflict, it isn't a prescription. It is a mindset that prioritizes your child's identity and development, ensuring that every decision and action taken in their education leads to a brighter future.
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