Ask April

Navigating special education can feel overwhelming, and parents often have questions that don’t have simple answers. That’s why I created Ask April—a parent-to-parent advice column where I answer real questions submitted by families like yours. Each response is based on my professional experience and my perspective as a parent, with the goal of providing clear, practical guidance you can use right away.

06/29/2025

Dear Ask April,

I’m feeling pretty overwhelmed as we get ready for the new school year. My child is moving from elementary school to middle school, and while that’s a big transition for any kid, I’m especially worried because my child has a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP). Last year, even though we had the plan in place, I often felt like it wasn’t being followed consistently. There were times I got calls from the school about behavior incidents that could have been prevented if the strategies in the BIP had been used.

Now we’re starting at a brand-new school, with all new teachers, and I can’t stop wondering—will these teachers even know about my child’s plan? Will they have time to read it and really understand how to support my child? I don’t want us to start the year already behind, waiting for behaviors to escalate before anyone takes action. What can I do now, before school even starts, to make sure my child is taken care of and has the best chance to succeed?

Thank you for listening. I just don’t want to go through another year of feeling like no one understands my child’s needs until it’s too late.

– A Concerned Mom

Dear Concerned Mom,

I hear your heart in this message, and I want you to know—you’re not alone. I’ve had the same worries for my own child, who also had a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP). That transition from elementary to middle school can feel huge, and it’s normal to wonder if new teachers will fully understand and follow your child’s plan.

The beginning of the year is a busy time for teachers and administrators as they prepare classrooms, schedules, and materials. Teachers are legally required to review all special education paperwork provided to them before the school year begins, but in reality, these documents can be long and detailed, and teachers often have several students with unique needs. For first-year teachers, especially, it can take time to learn how to organize and implement all the specifics of every plan. That sometimes causes a delay in fully understanding the details of a BIP.

Here’s what I’ve found helpful:

  • Get your child’s schedule as soon as it’s available.

  • Email each teacher individually. Introduce your child, explain they have a BIP, and attach a copy of the plan for quick reference.

  • Keep it simple for them. Add a short bulleted list of the top three or four things they must know about your child (for example: “Must have frequent breaks to the office” or “Responds best to quiet redirection”).

  • Request confirmation. Ask them to reply and let you know they’ve received it and understand.

If you don’t have a current copy of the BIP, your campus diagnostician can email one to you. By sending this information in advance, you make it easier for teachers to support your child from day one, rather than waiting until behaviors escalate.

You’re already doing the right thing by being proactive and thinking ahead. Middle school is a big change, but with your involvement and clear communication, you can help your child start off on the best possible path.

Warmly,
April

07/09/2025

Dear April

Homework has become such a struggle in our house. My child has an IEP for ADHD and gets accommodations at school, but when we get home, it’s like everything falls apart. It takes hours to get a single assignment done, and sometimes we both end up in tears. I know the teachers say he should only have a little homework each night, but it still feels impossible. I’m worried this is going to set a negative tone for the whole year. How do I handle this without ruining our evenings or my relationship with my child?

– Overwhelmed Parent

Dear Overwhelmed Parent,

You are not alone—so many parents share your exact frustration. Homework can be one of the hardest parts of school for kids with ADHD because it pulls them out of the structure of the school day and into an environment where distractions are everywhere (and emotions run high). It’s also hard on parents, who often feel like they’re stuck being the “enforcer” instead of the encourager.

Here are some strategies I’ve seen work:

  • Check the IEP for homework accommodations. Some IEPs allow for modified or reduced homework, or even alternative assignments. If homework is consistently overwhelming, you can request an IEP meeting to discuss adjusting the expectations.

  • Set a consistent homework routine. Pick the same time and place every day, even if it’s only 20 minutes, so your child knows what to expect.

  • Break assignments into smaller chunks. Use a timer or short work sessions (for example, 10 minutes of focused work followed by a 5-minute break).

  • Communicate with teachers early. Let them know how long assignments are taking and how stressful it has become. Most teachers want to help but don’t always realize what it looks like at home.

Most importantly, give yourself and your child grace. Homework is important, but so is your relationship and your child’s emotional well-being. When evenings turn into battles, it’s a sign the plan needs to be adjusted—not that you or your child are failing.

You’re advocating in the best way possible—by recognizing what isn’t working and looking for solutions. That’s the first step toward change.

Warmly,
April

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