August | Back-to-School Edition

Welcome to a new school year! The Services for Exceptional Children is excited to partner with our students, families, teachers, service providers, and school communities for another year of learning and growth.

You are an important member of your child’s educational team. Your knowledge of your child’s strengths, interests, needs, and goals provides valuable information that helps the school team support success.

Each month, The Exceptional Exchange will share practical information, helpful resources, important reminders, and ways families can stay connected and engaged.

The beginning of the school year is a great time to reconnect with your child’s educational team and become familiar with the supports outlined in the Individualized Education Program (IEP).

1. Review your child’s IEP. Review current goals, accommodations, services, and supports.
2. Introduce yourself to the team. A brief email or conversation with the teacher or case manager can establish positive communication early.
3. Share what works. Tell the team about strategies, interests, motivators, or routines that help your child feel successful.
4. Ask questions. If a term or process is unclear, reach out to your child’s teacher, case manager, or school administrator.
5. Celebrate strengths. Talk with your child about what they enjoy, what they do well, and something they hope to accomplish this year.

Help your child’s new teachers get to know them. Consider including:

• My strengths are…
• I enjoy…
• I learn best when…
• Something that can be challenging for me is…
• When I need help, it helps when…
• Something I want you to know about me is…

For older students, encourage them to help create the page. This is also a great opportunity to practice self-advocacy.

An IEP is a written educational program developed for an eligible student with a disability. It is individualized and includes information such as present levels of performance, annual goals, special education services, accommodations, and other supports needed for progress.

ASK YOUR IEP TEAM “What are the most important goals my child will be working toward this year, and how can I reinforce those skills at home?”

Parents are important members of the IEP team.

Your input matters. Before an IEP meeting, consider writing down:

• Your child’s strengths and areas of growth

• Questions or concerns

• Strategies that work well at home

• Goals you have for your child

• Topics you would like the team to discuss

Tip: You do not have to wait until an IEP meeting to communicate with your child’s school team.

Start a Weekly Success Conversation

Once a week, ask your child three simple questions:

• What went well at school this week?

• What was challenging?

• What is one thing you’re proud of?

These conversations can help students recognize strengths, communicate needs, and develop self-advocacy skills.

Upcoming Events

SEC Parent Advisory Panel : This panel provides a meaningful way for families to share ideas, feedback, and experiences that help shape our programs and initiatives.

Use the QR Code or click the link to join us!

Parent Advisory Panel Link : https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/u9Ek1ur8rY

Local Interagency Coordinating Council (LICC) is a community-based group that coordinates and promotes early intervention services for young children and their families.

• SPEDTALKS — Coming Soon!

• Parent to Parent of Georgia — Source of Choice for Support

• U.S. Department of Education — IDEA Resources for Families — Article: Let’s Talk Back to School

Understanding Your Child’s IEP

In September, we’ll break down the major sections of an IEP, explain common special education terms in family-friendly language, and share questions parents can ask to better understand their child’s educational program.

Together, we support every student’s path toward success.

Questions about your child’s individual program should begin with your child’s teacher, case manager, or school-based special education team.

Fulton County Schools

Services for Exceptional Children
Phone: 470-254-0400
Website: Services for Exceptional Children

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