School Resources and Services

Special education services may include modifications to the regular curriculum, extra support within your child’s classroom, small group or individualized assistance with reading or math, specialized educational settings, speech therapy, occupational therapy, behavior plans, and other services depending on your child’s needs.  

Children with certain medical or developmental conditions may qualify for other types of services through a Section 504 plan, which provides accommodations to enable children to successfully participate in the regular curriculum.  

To request a special education evaluation, parents should begin the process at their neighborhood (“zoned”) school and should make the request in writing.   Special education law requires that schools respond to requests for evaluation within a very specific timeframe. 

A detailed explanation of the special education process, including the process for requesting an evaluation and a sample letter parents can use to request this evaluation, can be found in the links below. 

Should families find themselves having trouble obtaining a school evaluation for their child, or appropriate services for them in school, advocates can be helpful in helping caregivers navigate these challenges. School advocates may help families in a variety of ways which may include providing guidance on next steps, how to advocate for your child better, writing letters to the school, attending phone calls or school meetings at the school, etc. A list of free and low cast as well as private advocates in the Houston and surrounding areas can be found in the link below.

Bullying

Bullying is a serious problem which, if left unaddressed, can significantly affect your child’s physical, social, and emotional well-being. Pacer’s National Bullying Prevention Center (2018) defines bullying as an intentional behavior that hurts, harms, or humiliates a student, either physically or emotionally. Bullying does not only occur in school, but can occur within the community and even online.

Below are some signs that your child may be experiencing bullying:

  • Unexplained damage to personal items or missing personal items.
  • Declining grades or loss of interest in school.
  • Changes in eating habits, such as skipping meals or binge eating after school.
  • Difficulty sleeping or frequent nightmares.
  • Frequent headaches, stomach aches, and/or increased anxiety towards school.
  • Decreased self-esteem.

If you believe your child is experiencing bullying, please visit the links below to find out more information on how you can help your child.