Who’s Who in Your Child’s Special Education Team? 🤔🏫
Walking into a school meeting with a table full of unfamiliar professionals can feel intimidating. Suddenly, you’re surrounded by acronyms, legal jargon, and people whose names you don’t even know.
🚨 Good news: You’re not alone! Knowing who’s who and what each person actually does will help you feel more prepared and confident as you advocate for your child.
Here’s a rundown of key special education team members and their roles.
📌 Parent/Guardian (That’s YOU!)
✔ Role: The #1 advocate for your child.
✔ What you do:
Speak up about your child’s needs—no one knows them better than you!
Share concerns, insights, and what works at home.
Ask questions and challenge decisions if needed.
💡 Pro Tip: Don’t be afraid to disagree! You are an equal team member and have legal rights in this process.
📌 District Representative (a.k.a. The Decision-Maker)
✔ Who it is: Usually the principal or assistant principal.
✔ What they do:
Has the final say on what services the district provides.
Oversees IEP/504 decisions and funding.
Steps in if there’s a disagreement between parents and staff.
💡 If your child has a complex case, a Special Education Coordinator or Director may also be involved.
📌 School Psychologist 🧠
✔ What they do:
Administer, score, and interpret psychoeducational evaluations.
Lead meetings to determine if a student qualifies for special education.
Write the Evaluation Team Report (ETR).
💡 Some school psychologists also help with intervention planning (MTSS/IAT/RTI).
📌 Intervention Specialist (Special Education Teacher) 👩🏫
✔ What they do:
Write & manage the IEP (if your child qualifies).
Provide direct instruction in small groups or co-teach in general education.
Monitor progress on IEP goals and send home quarterly reports.
Help students stay organized, study for tests, and complete assignments.
💡 If your child qualifies for an IEP, they’ll have an assigned Intervention Specialist as their Case Manager.
📌 General Education Teacher (Your Child’s Primary Teacher) 🍎
✔ What they do:
Provide input on classroom performance and progress toward academic benchmarks.
Implement accommodations and modifications in general education.
Track progress and help with intervention plans.
💡 In elementary school, your child’s classroom teacher will know them best. Their input is crucial in intervention and IEP planning!
📌 Speech-Language Pathologist (SLP) 🗣️
✔ What they do:
Assess and provide therapy for speech and language delays.
Help with articulation, stuttering, social communication, and more.
Provide services on an IEP, 504, or intervention plan.
💡 SLPs often work with students who struggle with expressive/receptive language, processing, or social communication.
📌 Occupational Therapist (OT) ✋
✔ What they do:
Assess and support fine motor skills & sensory processing.
Help with handwriting, grasping, self-care skills, and sensory needs.
Provide therapy through IEP, 504, or intervention plans.
💡 If your child struggles with tasks like writing, cutting, tying shoes, or sensory overload, an OT can help!
📌 Physical Therapist (PT) 🏃♂️
✔ What they do:
Help students with mobility, balance, and strength issues.
Work with students who have difficulty navigating the school environment.
Provide therapy through an IEP, 504, or intervention plan.
💡 PTs usually support students with physical disabilities, orthopedic concerns, or mobility challenges.
📌 Adaptive Physical Education (APE) Teacher 🏋️♀️
✔ What they do:
Provide modified PE instruction for students who can’t participate in traditional gym class.
Assess and support gross motor skills and coordination.
Services are typically only available through an IEP.
💡 APE teachers work with students who have significant physical disabilities or motor coordination difficulties.
📌 School Nurse 🏥
✔ What they do:
Conduct vision & hearing screenings as part of evaluations.
Help create IEP/504 plans for students with medical needs.
Train staff on medical conditions, medications, and emergencies.
💡 If your child has a medical condition that affects learning (like diabetes, epilepsy, or severe allergies), the school nurse will be involved in their plan.
How to Use This Info to Advocate for Your Child 🗣️
✔ Know who to ask for what.
✔ Don’t be afraid to question decisions.
✔ Use your voice—it matters!
🚀 Have questions? Drop them in the comments! 👇
📞 Call or text: 614-470-4466
📧 Email: admin@achievepsychology.org
🌐 Visit: www.achievepsychology.org

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