Supporting Students with Special Need

If you have a child with special needs, you know how important the right supports can be – and how important it is for everyone supporting your child to work together. Parents, teachers, school staff and others need to share a common understanding of each child’s challenges, strengths, abilities and interests. That way, any extra supports (or challenges, in the case of gifted children) can be tailored to help your child achieve his or her individual potential.

For example, parents have a key role to play in designing their child’s Individual Education Plan (IEP). An IEP is developed for each student in B.C. who has a designated special need. Designated special needs include intellectual, physical, sensory, emotional, behavioural or learning disabilities. They also include special gifts or talents in any area of study.

IEPs are just one example of the special education programs and services available in all 60 B.C. school districts, guided by provincial policies and guidelines and supported by additional funding. Click here for an overview of special education policies, guidelines and resources. Click here for details of special education funding.

To learn more about special education programs and services in your area, talk to the special needs contact in your school district.

If your child has just been diagnosed as having a special need, click here for advice on finding services and supports.

 

Presented by