Getting Your Child Mental Health Support and Accommodations in School

As a parent or caregiver, it can be frustrating to watch your child struggle at school with behavioral, emotional, learning, or attention issues and not know how to help them. Navigating school systems can be a big piece of that frustration. Ensuring that your child is supported in school is critical to their future success. The consequences of poor academic performance and dropping out can have a far-reaching impact on a child’s life.  

Know Your Child’s Rights 

Quality education is a fundamental human right, protected under the law. Knowing your rights will empower you to advocate effectively and insist on accountability from the school. Section 504 and the Individual with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) are both federal regulations put in place to protect the rights of children with disabilities, including those with mental health concerns, guaranteeing that all children have a free and appropriate public education. 

There are two levels of accommodation plans in most schools: Individual Educational Plans (IEPs) that are the most intensive and comprehensive or Section 504 Plans that are less intensive. An IEP may include time outside class in a “Resource Room,” psychological counseling, extra time for tests and more. The 504s generally keep the child in the classroom, but they have many accommodations you and the team agree upon. 

Speak With the Teacher

It’s always a good first step to begin by speaking with your child’s teacher(s). They can share their observations of your child’s performance, strengths, and areas posing a challenge. They can also share their thoughts about what may be interfering with your child’s performance and make suggestions to improve it. However, it is not a teacher’s expertise or responsibility to offer a mental health diagnosis as the cause of your child’s difficulties at school. 

Request an Evaluation

This is a formal process where you can request services under IDEA if you feel your child’s mental health issues are interfering with their ability to learn. 

The request must be provided to the school in writing, and you will need to keep copies of all correspondence for your records. The request could be as simple as a single sentence that says, “I am requesting an evaluation for my child,” or you can be more detailed regarding your specific concerns in the request. 

A core evaluation lays the foundation for creating accommodations. A comprehensive evaluation will provide insight and give you a better understanding of what will be necessary to provide optimal support, allowing your child to meet their social, emotional and academic goals. 

The school typically arranges the evaluation, at their expense, and can be provided by a school psychologist or through an outside professional. This evaluation process is necessary even if your child has already received a medical diagnosis from a psychiatrist, pediatrician or a neurologist. This is a separate evaluation. 

Take an Active Role in Meetings

Following the evaluation, you and your child (if appropriate) will meet with the IEP Team on Special Education. Others on the team — typically teachers, the school psychologist (who will review the testing if performed outside of the school), school nurse, those who performed any components of the evaluation and anyone you wish to contribute, such as your child’s psychiatrist or psychologist — are encouraged to participate. You have the right to invite anyone that you choose to attend these meetings with you, including members of your child’s treatment team. You can also present any supporting collateral information, such as letters from your child’s providers. 

During this meeting, you will discuss the evaluation and go over the recommendations for accommodations, modifications and other related services to create a plan to support your child. You and your child are a critical part of the IEP and must approve of the school’s recommendations. You have the right to appeal any decisions that you don’t agree with, or if you feel your child is not receiving the services that they need. 

Maintain Consistent Communication

Request that teachers report any time the accommodations in place appear to be ineffective so that you can work with them to update the plan accordingly. Regular and frequent communication will be integral to the success of the plan. 

To advocate for your child the best you can, you will need to build a positive and collaborative relationship with school staff. 

Seek Help Through an Advocate

The process of obtaining IEPs and 504s can be difficult. Advocates can help you understand the services available and make sure that the school is meeting your child’s needs. Reach out to your local NAMI for help finding advocates in your community. If this is not enough, the next step is obtaining an educational attorney who can argue on your behalf to demand that your child receive the services they need.