This program essentially assists the child in transitioning into the educational setting in an organized planned fashion outlining the steps needed to facilitate that process. It clearly states the roles of the parents, the special education coordinator and other staff members in servicing the child assisted by medical technology in the educational environment. Probing for child-specific information, our designated coordinator carefully outlined a health care plan designed to provide the safest medical care for our child from the moment he stepped on the bus in the morning until his arrival at home. In addition, a back-up plan was established in the absence of a medical care provider. Parents assist teachers in familiarizing them with the child's condition.
Parents play an integral role in carrying through the health care plan smoothly.
Since many public schools are overpopulated, the parents frequent checklisting, availability for answering questions and for giving direction is necesasry to keep the boat afloat. Schools and professionals who recognize a parent's proactive role in their child's care tend to render services more readily and with greater interests. Simply, parental involvement helps hold schools accountable for maintaining a healthy and safe educational environment. With the health care plan intact, the next step in preparing the technology dependent child for the school system is the development of his own individualized educational plan. According to this law, children with special needs are entitled to receive the services they need to reach their maximum potential.