Putting School Resources to Good Use
Some schools have excellent resources available to your child, while others are stretched to their limits already. In either case, you have the right to expect help for your child, but it will be up to you to take action. In other words, you are probably the most important component to getting help for your child within the school system.
Approach with Caution
When preparing to meet with your child's school, it is difficult not to be anxious about your child and more confrontational than usual. You probably don't need to be told that this approach will not be helpful. School systems are crowded and teachers and other school personnel are very busy. Encountering a parent who is too forceful, rude, or combative will not be something that is met with enthusiasm. Again, your best approach is one of measured enthusiasm, concern, and gentle strength.
Essential
Some states have government resources and programs that are specifically designed to help children with special needs. Ask your guidance counselor to see if your child qualifies. If you do research on your own and find something, take it to the school and see if they would be willing to help you get your child approved.
This means that you do not cave in when or if a school official seems unconcerned or ignores you, but you should also understand the predicament that they are in.
If you have some information about your child's depression, such as an article or a letter describing your child's specific symptoms, sometimes this is a good way to break the ice with teachers and other school officials. This gives them some information that they can use to learn about depression and possibly help other children. It is also a way to put your child on their radar without you being a nuisance.
Find Out What's Available
If your school has programs in place for children who have specific problems, inquire about these and see if your child could benefit. If no programs are in place, you might ask the guidance counselor to meet with your child, or to set up a group for children who have similar problems. Again, because these people are so busy, they do not always come up with programs for prevention purposes. It is only when they are confronted by a parent that they take action. This does not mean that they are disinterested, but sometimes they just need a nudge.
Fact
Some guidance counselors will involve the parent in group activities for children. For example, she might enlist your help in being a co — group leader to address specific issues, such as social or coping skills. Ask if your participation could be beneficial or if you can help with researching to find helpful information.
Another way to put your school's resources to good use is to have one school official with whom you have regular contact. This could be the guidance counselor, the teacher, or another trusted school employee. Rather than trying to keep communications going with several people, you can have one individual with whom you are sharing information. This keeps misinterpretation of information to a minimum, and it keeps you from being known as that “pesky” parent.
