When your child receives an educational code, it can be an overwhelming experience as a parent. What does this mean? How will it affect their academic future? What does this mean for their social development and self-esteem? There is a lot to unpack here, and unless you work in the school system, it can be a bit of a learning curve to understand how to navigate the world of codes, Individualized Program Plans (IPPs), and finding resources to support you and your child.
First, let’s talk about what educational codes are and why they are used in the school systems.
A school code often signifies that your child has been identified as needing additional services. This could be due to a diagnosis (Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, etc.), learning differences, language delay, behavioral concerns, or other special needs. When a child has a designated code, they have an IPP. These are individualized roadmaps created to meet your child’s specific needs. It involves goal setting, providing services, and regularly reviewing your child’s progress. Your child will be supported by their classroom teacher and could potentially have therapists involved as well, providing strategies and tools to help your child be successful in the classroom. Ask lots of questions when reviewing the IPP throughout the year to know who is involved, what strategies they are using, and how you can use these at home.
Although these codes are meant to support your child, parents can often feel worry, upset, guilt, and fear about their child’s future. These are all normal and valid feelings to experience. It can be helpful for families to find community connections, hear stories and others’ experiences, and seek support from other parents who are in the same boat. Try exploring Facebook groups, meeting other parents at your child’s school, or accessing support groups at different organizations. For example, the YWCA or the Families Matter Society can be great resources.
We also encourage parents to focus on the positives by celebrating those small wins. Although IPPs tend to focus on skill-building, when you celebrate your child’s progress, no matter how small, we maintain a positive outlook and reinforce their confidence. It is also important to remember that your child has unique strengths and talents. By focusing on these aspects, they can feel good about what they can do, as opposed to what they can’t do (yet!).
Advocacy and collaboration are also key ingredients when supporting your child. By building a positive relationship with teachers, therapists, and other school staff, you can provide input and ensure that your child’s strengths, interests, and needs are reflected in their supporting strategies and documents. Also, when you have open communication with teachers and staff, you are better able to receive updates, review progress, and get relevant updates and feedback.
School staff will often have the best interest of your child at heart, but make sure to speak up if you feel that your child’s needs are not being met. This can sometimes feel tricky for parents, but by advocating for your child, you can receive additional resources, change goals, or provide input on behavior plans. Collaboration is an important tool in your child’s school success, so don’t be afraid to bring up concerns, strategies, or tools that have been successful for your child in the past.
Learning about the complexities of school codes and IPPs can be challenging, but with the right information, advocacy, emotional support, and resources, you can effectively support your child’s educational journey. Remember, you are not alone in this process. By proactively seeking out and utilizing community resources, you can ensure that your child receives the support they need to succeed in all domains of their development.
Ashlee and Lisa are child psychologists who created KidsConnect Psychology as a place for children and families to access tools, supports, and therapy. Check out our website for digital downloads, parenting tool kits, information about our parent counselling, school consultations, daycare consultations and more! kidsconnectpsychology.com. Follow us on Facebook and Instagram at KidsConnect Psychology.
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