Rivera emphasizes that it is crucial for parents to be involved in their children's schools from the start, even before the child is in difficulty. Additionally, new welfare laws mean that fewer parents are available during the day to attend school functions and PTA meetings where information is disseminated. After a brief honeymoon period in September, children tend to revert to the behaviors they're used to. As a parent the faster you communicate with the staff and the better your relationship is with them, the more you'll get for your child. Parents need to remember that they are the experts on their children and know what will work with them.
Some families have wonderful, strong, happy relations with their school district.
They work hard at that. Jean Steiger of the Western New York Region cautions that it's important to make sure that your children are in the right placement. She also says that there is a major problem with kids who are suspended or at home for any reason. Cathy Comeau of the Hudson River Region sees the beginning of the school year as a time of transitions. Things like not having new clothes for the first day of school, difficulties with peer relationships or missing school for hospitalizations can all make a child stand out from their peers, making the new school year a time fraught with problems.