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Getting Support at School

If you have questions about how your child is learning, communicating or taking part at school, start with their classroom teacher. If you’re unsure whom to contact, ask your school office to help you connect with the right person.

Start with a conversation

Share what you’ve noticed, when it happens, what already helps and what your child would like the school to know. You can ask what the teacher is seeing and when you can check in together.

A way to start

“My child has told me it’s hard to get started when there are several instructions at once. A short checklist helps at home. Are you seeing something similar at school? What could we try?”

 Find your school’s contact information 

What might happen next?

  1. Try strategies in the classroom.

    The teacher can talk with you and your child about what is working, try a change and check whether it helps.

  2. Get input from the school team.

    The teacher may consult a learning support teacher or bring the concern to the School-Based Team. This is a group of school staff who help plan and coordinate support for students.

  3. Consider a referral, assessment or plan.

    The school team may suggest specialist input, an assessment to learn more about your child’s strengths and needs, or a written plan. Ask what the next step would involve, how you can share input and who will follow up. If a written plan comes up, see IEPs and Support Plans.

What can support look like during the school day?

  • Classroom strategies such as written or picture instructions that everyone can refer back to.
  • Extra practice such as working on a specific reading skill in a small group.
  • Individualized support such as a communication tool and a plan for using it during class activities.

Questions families may have

Do we need a diagnosis before asking for help?

You can raise a concern as soon as you notice it. Classroom strategies can start while your child is waiting for an assessment. Ask what the school can try now, when you can check in and whether a specialized service being discussed has additional requirements.

What is a designation?

A designation is an identification the school district uses when a student meets B.C. criteria for a category of disability or diverse ability. If the school brings it up, ask what information the team needs and what it means for your child’s support.

What if the school suggests an assessment?

Ask what the assessment would help the team understand, who would do it and how the findings would guide support. Ask what information or consent the school needs from you and how the results will be shared.

What if my child already has an assessment report?

Let the school know you have a report. Ask whom to speak with and how to share it. You can also tell the school which recommendations you think would help your child most.

What might support from an education assistant look like?

For example, an education assistant might help a student use a visual schedule or a communication tool during a class activity. If education assistant support is being discussed, ask what it would look like for your child during the school day.

Where to get more help

For ideas you can use in everyday routines, see Supporting Learning at Home.

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