Ask the Advocate: We know my child is going to need intensive services, why all the red tape? It feels like wasted time.

8 hours ago

3 min read

In talking with a client recently, they asked a great question: Why do we have to do all this if I know my child needs more support? Why can't they just get what they need without having to try all this other stuff? This client isn't alone! Many families find the process confusing and frustrating, especially when they know their child is struggling but don’t see changes right away.

Historically, children with disabilities did not have protected rights and access to education as typical children. This lead to the creation of a system to help students with disabilities learn alongside their peers, but it often moves slower than parents would like. Here’s what’s going on and how you can be part of the process to get your child what they need.

Understanding the Basics

When a child is placed on an Individualized Education Program (IEP), the school is required by law to support their learning. But before placing a student in a different classroom setting—like a smaller, specialized class—the school team must follow a process that protects your child’s rights and ensures they are placed in the Least Restrictive Environment (LRE).

What does Least Restrictive Environment mean?It means that students with disabilities should learn with their peers as much as possible. A smaller classroom, often called a “self-contained” or “specialized” class, may offer more support—but it’s also more separated from general education. Schools are required to try other supports first before making this move.

Why the Delay?

Here are some reasons why placement in a smaller class can take time:

Data-Driven Decisions: Schools must show evidence (data) that your child needs more support than what’s available in the general education classroom. This includes tracking grades, behavior, teacher observations, and the results of interventions (extra help) already tried.
Trying Interventions First: Schools are required to try strategies like small group instruction, tutoring, or behavior plans before changing the classroom. This helps rule out other causes and ensures the right support is chosen.
Team Decision-Making: Changes to a child’s learning environment require input from a full IEP team—this includes teachers, specialists, administrators, and you as the parent. Sometimes, multiple meetings and approvals are needed.

What You Can Do to Help the Process

While the process can feel slow, there are steps you can take to support your child and make sure their needs are clearly understood:

Stay Involved in IEP Meetings: Attend every meeting, ask questions, and don’t be afraid to speak up. You know your child best. Share your concerns and observations.
Provide Documentation: Bring any outside evaluations, doctor’s notes, or tutoring records that show how your child is doing. Schools can use this information when considering classroom changes.
Track Your Own Data: Keep a folder of your child’s report cards, notes from teachers, and examples of their schoolwork. If you notice things like frequent meltdowns, difficulty reading, or trouble following directions—write it down with dates. This helps show patterns over time.
Follow Up: After meetings, send a short email to thank the team and ask for a summary of next steps. Keep track of deadlines (like when interventions will be reviewed) and gently remind the school if you haven’t heard back.
Ask About Progress Monitoring: This is how the school measures if current supports are working. If your child isn’t improving, that data helps the team consider more support, such as a smaller class.

A Final Word

It’s hard to watch your child struggle and wait for help. But remember: the system is built to make thoughtful, careful decisions—not rushed ones. That said, you are an essential part of your child’s team. By staying involved, informed, and organized, you can help the process move forward and make sure your child gets the support they deserve.

We are here to help! Please reach out if you need support learning how to advocate for your child and their unique needs.