Make the School System Work for Your Child with Disabilities Empowering Kids for the Future

Public schools offer a wide range of supports for disabled children--but navigating the system can feel like getting trapped in a complex maze. Special education parent and veteran educator Stacey Shubitz provides a vital map for the journey in this practical, optimistic, empowering guide. Stories of kids with a variety of challenges give you a solid understanding of special versus general education, expert evaluations, disability designations, Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), 504 Plans, and more. The book describes clear steps to improve communication with teachers and school staff, get the most out of meetings, and ensure plans are correctly implemented, so your child can thrive. You get downloadable practical tools, self-care strategies, tips for cultivating joy, and an inclusive children’s book list to make reading together a habit. Channel your love and hope into success and self-determination for your child at school--this book shows how.

Stacey Shubitz, MA, MSEd, is a certified literacy specialist and former fourth- and fifth-grade teacher in the New York City Public Schools and a public charter school in Rhode Island. Since 2009, she has been a literacy consultant, supporting teachers with writing instruction. She has published several books and is cofounder of the Two Writing Teachers blog and podcast. She lives with her family in Pennsylvania.

Author’s Note
Acknowledgments
Introduction. Get Oriented
I. Advocacy in Action: Transforming Obstacles into Opportunities
1. Identify Needs and Lead with Strengths
2. Chart Your Course Through the Evaluation Process
II. Navigating the Education Maze: Maximizing Your Child's Education
3. Become Familiar with the Landscape
4. Know What Your Child Will Receive
5. Strengthen Learning through Customized Instruction 
6. Prepare, Partner, and Advocate for IEP Meeting Success
7. Communicate with Teachers and School Staff 
III. Embracing Opportunities: Making the Most of Nonschool Hours
8. Curate Joy
9. The Power of Reading Together 
10. Teach Self-Advocacy
Afterword. Take Care of Yourself
References
Index
About the Author