FAQ

How does a parent know if assistance is needed?

When a diagnosis is received and you do not know where to begin;

When hours of research yield little more than "information overload";

When you are unsure of the IEP process, what to request, and your rights.

You may need assistance *if*...

You're new to the special education process or are a "veteran" parent who has been through multiple IEP meetings yet still feel like a novice;

Your child's evaluation report reads like a foreign language;

Your child's IEP goals are vague and you do not know how to measure progress;

You are not receiving answers regarding your child in school; or

Your child is regressing or is in crisis.

How does an organization know if these issues are impacting their employees?

With at least 8% of the workforce providing "exceptional caregiving" to children

under the age of 18 who are struggling in school, the needs are real and growing.

It begins with a 10 question needs assessment.

Then a 60-minute lunchtime seminar to begin addressing issues.

The first step is demonstrating an understanding that these issues are impacting productivity and engagement. Then, a willingness to provide employee benefits focusing on "Education Care" issues to help them achieve a better work/life balance.

Did you know that an employee in Accounting and a senior manager in Marketing

are both parenting a child with autism?

Were you aware that the vacation time taken over the past three months by your Administrative Assistant was for speech therapy appointments for her child?

Will you be surprised when one of your top performers resigns because

he is unable to juggle work responsibilities with

multiple IEP meetings that require his attendance?

Only by opening a dialogue in a supportive environment can the work/life needs of employees with special needs children be fully integrated into comprehensive

work/life or employee assistance programming and thinking.

Where to begin?

If you are a parent...

Ask questions...lots of them.

Seek expertise where gaps exist.

Monitor progress on an ongoing basis.

Never question your "parental instincts."

Do not hesitate to reach out and ask for assistance.

If you are a Human Resources, Work/Life, or Benefits professional...

Survey your workforce to assess their needs.

Evaluate your existing work/life or employee assistance program.

Offer lunchtime workshops to gauge interest and provide training.