October 2026 Newsletter Supporting • Educating •

Please don’t wait until your child receives a failing report card b

Start with your c

Ask:

What areas is my child struggling with?

What interventions are currently being provided?

Does the school offer tutoring before or after school?

Is homework assistance available?

Does the school district offer academic intervention programs?

How will we know whether the intervention is helping?

Then expand your search into the community.

Look for tutoring and homework assistance through:

• Public libraries

• Boys & Girls Clubs

• YMCA/YWCA programs

• Community centers

• Faith based organizations

• Local colleges and universities

• Parks & Recreation programs

• Nonprofit organizations

• School district family resource centers

Some programs may be free or low-cost, and some organizations may offer scholarships or reduced fees.

🏈⚽🏀 GET OUR CHILDREN INVOLVED!

Our children deserve opportunities outside the classroom too.

Sports and extracurricular activities can help children develop confidence, friendships, communication, independence, discipline, teamwork, physical fitness, and a sense of belonging.

Check your city or county Parks & Recreation Department for programs such as:

• Football or flag football

• Basketball

• Soccer

• Baseball/softball

• Swimming

• Track

• Tennis

• Volleyball

• Dance

• Cheerleading

• Martial arts

• Art and music

• Adaptive sports

• Inclusive recreation

If your child has a disability or requires additional support, ask:

“Do you offer adaptive or inclusive programs?”

“What accommodations are available?”

“Do you provide scholarships or financial assistance?”

“What programs are available for my child’s age group?”

Don’t assume your child cannot participate.

Ask first. Explore the possibilities. Give your child the opportunity to try.

🌟 SPECIAL NEEDS DOES NOT MEAN SITTING ON THE SIDELINES

Sometimes our children need additional instruction.

Sometimes they need more time.

Sometimes they need accommodations.

Sometimes they need patient coaching.

Sometimes they simply need someone willing to recognize their abilities before focusing on their disabilities.

Whether it is sports, 

academics, music, art, technology, dance, leadership, or another interest give our children opportunities to discover what they love.

A diagnosis does not determine a child’s entire future.

🌎 NATIONAL RESOURCE CORNER

Here are several starting points for families throughout the United States:

U.S. Department of Education

Learn about federal education programs, 

special education, disability protections, and educational resources.

Website: ed.gov

IDEA — Individuals with Disabilities Education Act

Families can learn more about the federal special education law and resources related to IDEA.

Website: sites.ed.gov/idea

Parent Training and Information Centers

Every state has federally funded Parent Training and Information resources serving families of children with disabilities.

These organizations can help parents better understand special education, IEPs, evaluations, parental rights, and available resources.

Search for:

“Parent Training and Information Center + your state.”

211

In many communities throughout the United States, families can dial 211 or visit 211.org to search for local services.

Depending on your location, resources may include:

• Food assistance

• Housing assistance

• Youth programs

• Mental health resources

• Family support

• Utility assistance

• Community programs

• Disability resources

988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline

Call or text 988 for crisis support in the United States.

Your State Department of Education

Search:

“Department of Education + your state + special education.”

Learn who oversees special education in your state and become familiar with its parent resources and complaint procedures.

Your City or County Parks & Recreation Department

Search:

“Parks and Recreation + your city or county.”

Look for youth sports, adaptive sports, inclusive recreation, after school programs, camps, classes, scholarships, and family activities.

📚 FIVE THINGS TO DO THIS SEPTEMBER

1. Read your child’s IEP or 504 Plan.

Don’t just sign paperwork. Read it and ask questions about anything you don’t understand.

2. Introduce yourself to your child’s teachers.

Build communication before a problem occurs.

3. Learn your school district.

Know who oversees Special Education, Student Services, Attendance, Transportation, and other departments your child may need.

4. Find one activity your child enjoys.

Tutoring, sports, art, music, dance, technology, mentoring give them an opportunity to explore.

5. Talk to your child.

Ask one simple question:

“How is school really going?”

And then listen.

❤️ PARENTS, PLEASE GIVE YOURSELF GRACE

Children do not come with instruction manuals.

Raising a child with special needs can mean becoming an advocate, researcher, scheduler, transportation coordinator, cheerleader, organizer, teacher, protector, and problem-solver sometimes all in the same day.

You are not expected to know eve