One of the hardest parts of parenting is discipline. “How do I make this kid listen

to me?” “What am I doing wrong?” The questions repeat in our heads, and the answers never seem to be clear. Without any discipline you’re setting your child up for an attitude of entitlement, and a life of failure. With discipline, you worry. Will you hurt your child’s feelings, or lower their self-esteem. The worries never end for any parent.

There is no such thing as a perfect child, even though sometimes we may think ours is. Every child misbehaves, and when school comes around, you are reminded of that fact. Our kids come home saying and doing things we never though they’d do. This is all very unfortunate but very normal. Eventually, most parents and caregivers find a healthy disciplinary tactic that works best for their child, some of the time.

Unfortunately, for several parents that have children with disabilities, the struggle never ends for them, or their child. Few people understand. Even in the year 2019, most disabled children are extremely misunderstood in the school systems. It seems the most common way to discipline in school is suspension, or some form of shame. What many parents don’t know is that disabled children are entitled to protection when it comes to school. Especially when things like, “A Change Of Placement” occur.

A CHANGE OF PLACEMENT

• Often known as suspension, is when a child is removed from school for 10 or more consecutive days.
   
• A change of placement can ONLY happen after a meeting (manifestation determination) has occurred with your child’s Individualized Educational Program (IEP) team.
   
• The IEP will determine whether or not the behavior was caused by your child’s disability.
   
• Only the IEP team can determine whether a change of placement is beneficial. Not the principal, not the teacher.

Often times these meetings are intimidating. For the school, a change of placement is the easiest way to handle your child’s behavior. This may not what you believe is in your child’s best interest.
 

A LAWYER SHOULD BE THERE

• You do not have to notify the school if you decide to bring an attorney to this meeting
   
• A lawyer is the only one who can help make sure your child is getting the protection they are entitled to, and that they deserve
   
• A lawyer can prepare you for what you should expect when attending school meetings, or any type of matter regarding your child

It’s so important to have an attorney during this time in your child’s life. Especially when it comes to discipline tactics being practiced in your child’s school.

When coming to our office, It would help to have a list of medications your child may use, or has used in the past for their disability. Medication plays a huge part in assessing behavior, and some people aren’t aware of this. They will even try to argue it.

If you have questions about this or any legal issue, call our office for an appointment.  We have been helping people with their legal problems since 1976!