🗣️ Advocate for Your Child at School

If you are new here, I’m Jennifer Donaldson, founder and educator at Tailor Joy LLC. My short newsletter offers tips, tools, and practical advice on education, entrepreneurship, and everyday life. Grab a cup of coffee and let's spend 2 minutes together. Want more resources, free stuff, and joy? Visit my website www.tailorjoy.com

Together

Hello Reader,

Being an advocate for your child at school can feel overwhelming. You want to give them the skills to speak up for themselves, but at the same time, you may not know what to say, what to ask, or how to navigate the school system. The good news? You don’t have to have all the answers. You just need the right questions, a willingness to listen, and the confidence to use your voice to advocate for your child at school.

This guide breaks down what to ask and how to advocate for your child at school during the elementary, middle, and high school years. Each section includes practical questions you can take to teachers, counselors, or administrators, along with suggestions to help you partner effectively with your child’s education team.

Elementary School

What Questions Can You Ask to Be an Effective Advocate for Your Child in Elementary School?

How do I know if my child is falling behind?
What do I do if I think my child needs special education or extra help?
How do I communicate concerns to the teacher without seeming difficult?
What rights do I have regarding my child’s education plan (e.g., IEP or 504)?
How can I support learning at home without overwhelming my child?

Suggestions for Parents and Guardians

Track Progress: Keep copies of report cards, assessments, and communication logs.
Build Relationships Early: Introduce yourself to the teacher at the beginning of the year and establish regular check-ins. Read the teacher's communications.
Request Meetings: Don’t hesitate to request a meeting if concerns arise; it’s your right.
Learn the Process: Understand how evaluations work and what services your child may be entitled to (e.g., through IDEA or Section 504).
Ask Specific Questions: Instead of “How’s my child doing?” ask “What are my child’s strengths and where is support needed?”

Middle and High School

Click here to read the sections for middle school, high school, and extra resources on my blog. I'd love to hear what you thought or what you'd add. Hit reply and tell me.

At the heart of being an advocate is listening well to your child and to the education team, and then speaking up clearly when concerns arise. Modeling effective communication teaches your child how to advocate for themselves, a skill they’ll carry for life. Remember: you don’t need to know everything to be an effective advocate for your child at school, but you do need to show up, ask good questions, and stay engaged.

If you want extra support, I’d love to be part of your team. Together, we can brainstorm strategies tailored to your child’s needs so you feel confident and equipped to overcome any roadblocks as you advocate for your child. We can also teach your kids to advocate for themselves.

Table Talk: Who advocated for you as a child? Is it harder to advocate for your child in elementary school or high school?

Read more blog posts here. https://www.tailorjoy.com/together/

Reader, I want you to smile more and sigh less. Choose to see the joy in life this week! Visit my website for more tips and tools to help you be ready for whatever the day may bring. www.tailorjoy.com

Got questions or comments? Hit "reply" and email me. I would love to hear from you.

Jennifer

P.S. Whenever you are ready, Tailor Joy LLC can help you in 3 ways:

Private online tutoring services: Jennifer specializes in grades 3-10 reading, writing, and study skills. She helps students build confidence and independence in their education. She also tutors adult ESL students in conversational English.
Business Basics: How to start your own tutoring or coaching business. Affordably priced at $399 for educators who need some extra income, or anyone who wants to start their own tutoring, lessons, or coaching business full-time or part-time. Private coaching is also available.
Educational resources: From study skills reference sheets to travel games to bookclub kit to a reading log. Nothing over $10. Click the link to shop.

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More Resources

Read: https://www.davidsonacademy.unr.edu/blog/tips-for-parents-how-to-advocate-for-your-gifted-student-at-school/

https://together.stjude.org/en-us/emotional-support-daily-life/school/parents-as-advocates.html

https://tailorjoy.com/parenting-a-disabled-child/

https://legalaidnc.org/topic/other/finding-community-resources/parent-advocacy-support/

Teacher. Tutor. Traveler. Tailor of joy.

Meet Jennifer Donaldson.
"I’m a wife, mom, grandma, and certified teacher offering private tutoring, business coaching, educational resources, useful printables, online courses, practical advice, and joy!"

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