Organizing Your Child’s Information “Where is that paper I need?”

My Home! Your Home?

Why should we organize our child’s paperwork Why should we organize our child’s paperwork? Doesn’t the school do that?

Why should we organize our child’s paperwork Why should we organize our child’s paperwork? Doesn’t the school do that? The school record is only part of the picture of your child. You want a complete picture!

What does organizing do?

What does organizing do? Good Organization helps you see your child’s progress. Organizing gives you confidence. Organizing helps you find your information quickly.

What does organizing do? Organization shows you are involved. Good records help you ask good questions. Good records help you spot possible problems.

What does organizing do? Communication! Organization helps you and the schools COMMUNICATE better.

YOU! know more about your child than anyone else. You know their: Home life Successes and failures What works and what does not Previous teachers and grades Medical history Other activities

When you are organized you have a clearer picture of your child!

Containers for your child’s information: Three ring binders, accordion files or even cell phones and tablets!!!

3 Ring Binder Materials: 3 hole punch, tabbed dividers, plastic sleeves

Accordion File Materials: File Folders, an Index of the contents

New Technology: Tablets, Phones etc. Document Organizers/Managers, scanner apps, calendars etc. Google Play Store and Apple App Store etc. Practice using apps before the meeting!

New Technology: Always keep the original safe! Paper copies stored in files and electronic copies on multiple storage devises. Be prepared to share your info or device with every one in the room. Once you share an image/video or document it is out there forever. Did I say to practice using the apps before the meeting?!?!

Additional Items: pens, pencils, highlighters, carry bag, calendar, etc.

Additional Additional Items for home: Filing cabinets, Plastic storage tubs computer printer/copy machines.

What goes into your container?

What goes into your container? A Picture of Your Child!

What goes into your container? An index of the contents IEPs, 504s Behavior Intervention Plans Discipline Records Medical/Psychological Evaluations or test results Diagnostic reports Academic evaluations Communication logs with teachers

More What goes into your container? Recent report cards and progress reports Emails, notes and other correspondence with school Important contacts – telephone numbers of doctors, and private speech, OT, PT, or other therapists etc. Work samples – homework, class work, tests that show strengths and weaknesses Standardized test results (EOGs, Benchmarks etc.)

Hints! Keep originals in your container, KEEP COPIES OF EVERYTHING AT HOME Keep current information in the container Make sure all papers and information are dated Keep a record of all significant events like calls from teachers or principals, dates of requests, dates of suspensions etc. Parent’s Rights Handbook

How to organize your MOUNTAIN of paperwork?

Two Techniques: Subject or Date

Create an INDEX and file by: Do it by Subject! Create an INDEX and file by: Evaluations Work Samples Correspondence IEP, BIP, 504 etc.

Divide paperwork by month. Do it by Date! Divide paperwork by month. Create an INDEX and keep it in the front of the notebook or accordion file.

Use the method that is best for you and your family. EASIEST IS BEST. Work on the notebook/accordian/technology when your child is doing their homework!

Keep up the GREAT WORK you do and continue to LOVE YOUR CHILD! Good Luck! Keep up the GREAT WORK you do and continue to LOVE YOUR CHILD!

David Holler hollerd@pitt.k12.nc.us Text or call 252-414-0594 Resources David Holler hollerd@pitt.k12.nc.us Text or call 252-414-0594

OUTLINE Why Organize? Containers? Contents of containers? How to organize contents of containers.