School safety is something every parent thinks about, but when your child has disabilities, there’s a whole other layer of concerns to navigate. There is frequently one set of directives during emergencies and we have to assess if they are accessible to our child. If they have mobility issues, what is the plan to help them stay safe during an earthquake? If they have epilepsy, is their seizure plan available (and all staff trained) wherever the child spends time in school? If there is a dangerous situation on campus, can they stay quiet for possibly hours on end?
“If a child with a disability is specifically excluded from activities or protocols that benefit all students” — for example, telling a child who uses a wheelchair to shelter in place during emergencies when everyone else is told to exit the building — “there is likely discrimination occurring.” – Kelly Rain Collin, EdM, education consultant and advocate
We need plans and tools in place to make sure our kids are safe, prepared, and protected until the final school bell rings. And more than that — to make sure our kids develop the skills to feel self-reliant and fully included in their own well-being and safety at school.
Do you have an emergency plan in your IEP?
It can be tricky when a parent asks this question because there are three distinct things that people refer to as an “emergency plan” in the IEP: an Individualized School Health Plan (IHP), individualized adaptations to the school emergency plan, and an IEP Emergency Plan.
- Emergency plans. You can read more about emergency plans and how to create them, and grab our free, downloadable one-sheet emergency plan template and school safety checklist, in our article Creating an Emergency Plan in the IEP.
- Individualized Health Plan (IHP). Read more about health plans in our article Individualized Health Plan (IHP) in an IEP. One Undivided parent even shared their child’s IHP with us (identifying information redacted) so you can see an example school health plan.
Do you know everyone on your child’s school team?
Let’s explore the professionals who may be on your child’s school team, working to keep them safe in school and help them access a free, appropriate public education with their peers.
- School specialists glossary. Want an overview of the professionals who may be part of your child’s care team at school? Our glossary covers everyone from school services to health services to related services to behaviorists to special education specialists, and more! Get the lowdown in our handy School Specialists Glossary.
- Paraeducators 101. Paraeducators can be a great way for a student to access a less restrictive environment and support their needs as they interact safely with their peers. But parents may find themselves wondering: how can I ensure my child works toward independence and doesn’t become reliant on an aide? Co-Founder of ParaEducate, Renay Marquez, tells us that there’s always a balance between supporting a student and setting them up for independence, and it depends on specific situations and what they need at any given moment, especially during high-anxiety situations like the first day of school.
Is restraint and seclusion ever necessary?
When we talk about safety, we can’t not talk about restraint and seclusion: techniques used to control or modify challenging behavior by using physical force, confinement, or isolation — under the guise of keeping them and/or others safe.
While it’s permitted “only as a last resort” in California (defined as whenever the student has placed themselves or others in imminent danger), it’s often very dangerous — and disproportionately used on kids with disabilities. To learn how to leverage your child’s IEP or 504 plan to prevent the use of restraint or seclusion — spoiler: it includes clear, detailed documentation, a behavioral plan, a crisis and de-escalation plan, and plenty of positive behavioral interventions and supports — check out our article Seclusion, the Types of Restraint, and What They Mean.
- What if your child’s safety plan at school isn’t enough? The first step is to try working directly with the school. Learn more on our YouTube channel→
- Did you catch Education Advocate Karen Cull’s top tips for starting school? Check it out on our Instagram→
- If the new school year has started for your child, what are your biggest concerns so far? Share your experiences with other parents in our private Facebook group→
- Do your local first responders know about your child’s support needs in the event of an emergency? Send them our resources on LinkedIn and get a conversation going→
Only have 90 seconds to find out how Undivided can help you and your kiddos head back to school, and beyond? Check out our Undivided Explainers How Undivided Can Help with School and The One Tool Every Teacher Needs to Know Your Child to learn all you need to know to make the transition to the new school year as smooth as possible.
Undivided Conversations: Keeping Kids Safe in School with Emergency and Health Plans
Want to ensure your child’s safety and well-being at school? Join our Undivided Conversations to learn about emergency and health plan essentials. Join us Friday, August 23 at 12:00 p.m. PDT for a conversation with Mary Ann Strawhacker, special education nurse consultant, and Dr. Sarah Pelangka, special education advocate, for practical tips for when it comes to keeping kids safe at school. Tune in at noon for the stream on our Facebook page!
Check out Undivided on the Complicated Kids Podcast!
The education system has many potential supports for kids with disabilities, but a common barrier to accessing those supports is a lack of information — for both families and school staff. Listen to this episode of the Complicated Kids Podcast to hear SLP Gabriele Nicolet and Undivided CEO Seth Besse discuss this “information asymmetry” in special education, and learn how Undivided educates and empowers parents to better advocate for their children.
Back to School: One-Month IEP Check-in — Facebook Live with Q&A
Once your child starts the school year, schedule a one-month check-in meeting with your IEP team. Then, put our upcoming live event on your schedule! Join us Thursday, September 12, 1:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m. PDT to hear Education Advocate Lisa Carey’s tips for checking in with your IEP team at the one-month meeting to make sure your child is getting all the support written into their IEP! Get a link to the event when you RSVP here→
High School IEPs and the Transition to Adulthood — Facebook Live with Q&A
IEPs evolve in high school, just like our kids do. Join us for a live chat Thursday, October 10, 2024 at 1:00 p.m. PDT with Undivided Education Advocate Hadassah Foster, where we’ll cover major milestones and steps to take from age 14 to 21 so that you can feel confident you’re preparing your teen for adulthood. Learn about Individualized Transition Plans, Regional Center & the Department of Rehabilitation, college pathways, the growing numbers of college programs for kids with cognitive disabilities, and more! Get a link to the event when you RSVP here→
As one parent told us,”Thank you so much for helping me get an advocate. I went and checked out the school and left with a broken heart. The poor kids are not treated right. I just kept hearing teachers yelling, forcing them to sit, and taking away minutes from recess. It was such a bad experience. This app has changed my life. So helpful. I’ll never be able to thank you guys enough!” 
