Education Resources: Advocating for Your Child’s Educational Advancement

At the Shawn Moss Wellness and Growth Foundation, we believe that education is the cornerstone of empowerment and success. We are dedicated to providing families in the Black community with the resources and tools needed to advocate for their child's educational advancement. Our goal is to help you navigate the education system, access support services, and ensure that your child has every opportunity to thrive academically.

Tips for Parents to Communicate with the School About Concerns

If you're worried something might be going on at school with your child, it's important to communicate effectively with the school to address your concerns.

Here are some tips to help you navigate this process:

  • Observe and Document:

    Notice Changes: Pay attention to any changes in your child's behavior, mood, or academic performance. Note specific incidents or patterns that concern you.

    Keep Records: Document any relevant details, including dates, times, and descriptions of events or changes you’ve observed. This information will be helpful when discussing your concerns with school staff.

  • Schedule a Meeting:

    Request a Meeting: Contact your child’s teacher or school counselor to request a meeting. Be clear that you have concerns you’d like to discuss in person.

    Be Flexible: Offer multiple times you’re available to meet, demonstrating your willingness to collaborate.

  • Prepare for the Meeting:

    List Your Concerns: Write down your main concerns and any specific questions you want to ask. This will help you stay focused during the meeting.

    Gather Information: Bring any documentation or evidence that supports your concerns, such as notes on behavior changes or examples of schoolwork.

  • Communicate Clearly and Respectfully:

    Be Honest and Direct: Clearly state your concerns and provide specific examples. Avoid making assumptions or accusations.

    Listen Actively: Allow school staff to share their observations and perspectives. Listening to their input can provide valuable insights and help build a collaborative relationship.

  • Collaborate on a Plan:

    Ask for Input: Invite the teacher or counselor to suggest strategies or interventions that might help address the issues. Be open to their recommendations.

    Develop a Plan: Work together to create an action plan that includes steps to support your child. Ensure there is a clear follow-up plan with specific timelines.

  • Follow Up:

    Monitor Progress: Keep track of any changes or improvements after implementing the action plan. Continue to document any ongoing concerns. If something that was discussed is not being implemented, email the meeting participants so you have documentation of your question and their response.

    Keep in Touch: Maintain regular communication with the school to discuss progress and make any necessary adjustments to the plan.

  • Seek Additional Support if Needed:

    School Counselor: If issues persist, consider involving the school counselor or seeking additional support services within the school.

    External Resources: Don’t hesitate to seek help from external resources, such as child psychologists or community support groups, if needed.

    Example Conversation Starters:

    "I've noticed some changes in my child's behavior recently and I’m concerned. Can we discuss what might be happening at school?"

    "My child mentioned they are having trouble with a particular classmate/subject. Could you provide some insights on this?"

Understanding Your Child’s Rights:

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act, which is a federal law, which includes all states, requires that school districts provide a free appropriate public education (FAPE) to qualified students in their communities, who have a physical or mental impairment, that substantially limits one or more major life activities. It is not a negative thing for your child to be identified as needing more services, and if your child struggles, it could help them receive the support they need to graduate. There are many accommodations and supports available to struggling students but usually your child will need to be identified and tested to access them.

Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA): Learn about the rights and protections under IDEA for children with disabilities. This includes access to free and appropriate public education (FAPE), individualized education programs (IEPs), and related services.

Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act: Understand the accommodations and modifications available for students with disabilities to ensure they have equal access to education.

What do I do if I think my child needs more help at school?

If you think your child needs more help at school, the first step is contacting their teacher and voicing your concerns. It is always best to do this through email so you have a record of when you contacted them and of your concerns. If your child’s teacher doesn’t agree, you can email the school counselor. If your concerns are not addressed, next, you can contact the assistant principle or principle. These email addresses can usually be found on your school or school districts website. If your child is struggling academically, you can request a meeting requesting that your child be evaluated to see if there are any issues that are impacting your child’s ability to succeed. Once the school receives your email, a meeting should be held, to discuss your child’s needs and if they need testing. If the team determines your child needs testing, you can request that certain tests are included to ensure that the testing accurately measures your child’s needs.

Education Resources in Virginia

  • Virginia Department of Education

    Families and communities are perfect partners for student success. The Virginia Department of Education encourages family and community involvement in schools for all students including students with disabilities. There are many ways to get involved in your child’s education at school and at home. Remember, when parents get involved and stay involved, all students achieve at higher levels.

    www.doe.virginia.gov

  • Lynchburg City Schools

    Lynchburg City Schools offer educational services to more than 7,800 students enrolled in preschool through adult classes in two high schools, three middle schools, and eleven elementary schools. Alternative elementary, middle and high school programs, gifted programs, and programs for the disabled are also available. Our elementary schools provide an optimal academic environment and accelerated learning opportunities. Along with basic learning skills, students are taught basic concepts of character development and citizenship.

    https://www.lcsedu.net

  • Lynchburg Beacon of Hope

    Through Beacon of Hope’s innovative High School Future Centers, middle and elementary school college access programming that is flourishing in our City Schools, bridge programs connecting our LCS graduates to college and careers, college success programs ensuring that students make a successful transition into college and university, and financial aid navigation available to families across the community—Lynchburg Beacon of Hope is working to change the workforce development landscape in Lynchburg.

    beaconofhopelynchburg.org

  • Sylvan Learning

    According to independent research, students in our Personalized Tutoring Programs achieve up to 3x more growth in their math and reading scores than their peers.

    sylvanlearning.com

  • Adult Learning Center

    Anyone who is 18 years of age or older, does not have a high school diploma, and is not currently enrolled in school may attend the Adult Learning Center. The Center offers classes designed to help individuals who are preparing to take the GED test, as well as adults who would like assistance to improve their basic education skills. The Center also offers ESL (English as a Second Language) classes and Workforce preparation IET (Integrated Education and Training).

    434-515-5160

    Hours of Operation

    Monday–Friday: 8:00 a.m.–3:00 p.m.

    Tuesday & Thursday: 4:00–7:00 p.m.

    1200-1208 Polk Street, Lynchburg, VA 24504

    Adult Learning Center

  • Infant Toddler Connection

    Infant & Toddler Connection of Central Virginia is part of Virginia’s early intervention system for infants and toddlers with disabilities and their families. They serve all localities of the Central Virginia Health District – Lynchburg City and Amherst, Appomattox, Bedford and Campbell Counties.

    WHO IS ELIGIBLE?

    Any infant or toddler (age 0-36 months) who is not developing as expected or who has a medical condition that can delay typical development may be eligible to receive early intervention supports and services. The intake or service coordinator will gather information needed to determine if your child is eligible. Generally, a child is eligible for early intervention if he or she is developing differently or more slowly than other children or has a health condition that will affect development.

    Infant Toddler Connection

National Resources

  • U.S. Department of Education

    Provides a wide range of information on federal education policies, funding opportunities, and programs designed to improve education at all levels. The website includes resources for parents to understand their rights, access financial aid, and stay informed about educational standards and reforms.

    ed.gov