School Success for 

Your Child

SM
The No Child Left Behind Act of 2001 helps to

ensure that all children receive a high-quality

education and holds schools responsible for

making sure that all children are learning. The

information below is consistent with this

important law. 

This brochure includes information on things you can do at home and at

school to help your child be a more successful student, including tips for

parents of students with disabilities. 

Background

Every child has the power to succeed in school and in life, and every parent,

family member and caregiver can help. The question is: How can we help our

children succeed?

“With the right focus

and right energy,

every child will learn.

And as every child

learns, the future of

this country will never

have been brighter.”

—President George W. Bush
We know, for example, that children tend to follow their parents’ example.

Children watch what we say and do. Parents are truly their children’s first

teachers, and this role lasts a lifetime. When we show our children that we value

education, it gives them a powerful model for success. At home, we can take

steps to support our children’s education. Also, research shows that when

parents and families are involved in their children’s schools, the children are

more likely to succeed. 

What You Can Do at Home

As a parent or caregiver, no one cares more about your child’s education than

you. Get involved in your child’s education at home. Here are simple tips that

may be useful to you: 

Encourage Your Child to Read. It’s the single most important thing

you can do to help your child succeed in school. Read aloud to your

baby right from the start, and make reading together part of your

daily routine. 

Encourage Healthy Habits. Research shows that regular sleeping times,

good eating habits and physical exercise are critical for student success.

Monitor Homework, TV Viewing, Computer Use and Video 

Game Playing. Have a special place and regular time for your child to

study, and check to see if your child needs help. Set limits on time spent

watching TV, using the computer and playing video games.

Encourage Your Child to Be Responsible and to Work on His Own.

Help your child choose activities that build knowledge, responsibility

and independence, and be aware of his activities after school, in the

evenings and on weekends. 

Communicate With Your Child. Have daily conversations with your

child about his or her school day.

Praise Your Child. Provide consistent, encouraging words to help

motivate young children.
Working With Teachers 

And Schools 

Learn everything you can about your child’s

school. You know your child best and

understand her needs. Ask for a school

handbook and read it over. Ask the principal and

teachers about the school’s expectations of your

child and how it will prepare your child to

succeed in life. Visit the school’s Web site for

more information. Ask for information in your

native language.

Talk with your child’s teacher early and

often—and start talking right at the beginning

of the school year. Contact the teacher

immediately if you notice a change in your

child’s behavior or school performance or if

your child doesn’t understand an assignment.

If you don’t understand a school rule or the

teacher’s assignments, set up a meeting to talk

about the issue. 

Stay involved in your child’s school activities.

Attend school events. Go to sports events, backto-school nights and parent-teacher meetings.

Volunteer in your school. 

Tips for Parents of Students 

With Disabilities

When a child is having a reading or language

problem, the reason might be simple to

understand or it might require extra help. Some

children may have a learning disability. 

If you think your child may have some kind of

learning problem, get help quickly. Talk with

your child’s teacher or principal. By law,

schools must provide special help to children

with disabilities. 

“We want

every young

American to be

surrounded by

caring adults

who provide

love, advice,

encouragement,

and who can

serve as good

role models 

for children.”

—Laura Bush 
In order to get extra help for your child, several steps might be taken. A team of

school officials and you will collect information on your child and complete an

evaluation on him. The evaluation must be done in the child’s native language.

Next, you will help to decide whether or not your child qualifies for special

education and related services. If so, an Individualized Education Program (IEP)

will be developed for your child. This will explain your child’s education

program and the special services your child will receive. You should have a copy

so you can make sure that the plan is being followed.

Examples of Resources

U.S. Department of Education: www.ed.gov or

http://www.ed.gov/espanol/bienvenidos/es/index.html?src=gu

or call 1-800-USA-LEARN

School choice: www.ed.gov/nclb/choice 

Special Education:

www.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osers/osep/index.html?src=mr 

Physical Fitness: President’s Council on Physical Fitness and Sports, President’s 

Challenge http://www.fitness.gov/home_pres_chall.htm 

Nutrition: Food Pyramid http://www.mypyramid.gov/kids/index.html or 

http://www.mypyramid.gov/sp-index.html 

NOTE: This document contains information about and from public and private entities and organizations

for the reader’s information. Inclusion does not constitute an endorsement by the U.S. Department

of Education of any entity, organization, products or services offered or views expressed. This

publication also contains hyperlinks and URLs created and maintained by outside organizations and

provided for the reader’s convenience. The Department is not responsible for the accuracy of

information found in them.