Five Things to Consider When Setting Special Education Goals For Your Child

Education can lay the foundation for the future success of individuals. This is true for all individuals, both typically developing and those who have been diagnosed with a disability.

Setting goals is an important part of ensuring that academic success is met for all, but it is particularly important for those with a disability. Children who have been diagnosed with a disability typically require specialized modifications and accommodations in order to ensure that their educational needs are met.

If you are the parent of a child with special needs, you play an integral role in this academic goal setting process. Knowing what types of goals to set and how to go about achieving those goals will help to ensure that your child receives the best possible education and that he or she is as prepared as possible for the road ahead.

Here are five things that you should take into consideration when you are setting academic goals for your special needs child:

Ask Your Child About His or Her Goals:

Your child is the one you are setting these academic goals for, so it only makes sense that he or she should be involved in the goal setting process.

Ask your child about the types of goals that he/she wants to achieve. What does he or she want to be when they grow up? What do they want to learn? What does he/she hope to do with his/her life? Knowing your child’s personal goals will allow you to set academic goals that will enable them to work towards something they want.

Consider Your Goals:

All parents have goals for their children. What will make your child happy? What do you want your child to achieve in life? Considering the life goals that you have for your child will help you to set academic goals that will enable him or her to reach these objectives.

Model:

As a parent, you are one of the most powerful role models in your child’s life. Your child is your mirror and he or she will reflect what you do. Modeling proper ways to effectively achieve academic goals is crucial for your child’s scholastic success. Not only is it important to teach your child how to achieve those goals, but also to be your child’s biggest support.

Be your own kid’s cheerleader. Instill in them the self-confidence that he/she can do whatever they put their mind to. Be sure to celebrate success, for this will help reinforce those good behaviors that helped him or her get there.

Overcoming Obstacles:

Life is full of obstacles. If your child has special needs, these obstacles may include jumping across academic hurdles. Think about the types of obstacles that your child may face and how he or she will be able to successfully overcome those obstacles so as to achieve desired academic success.

Handling Setbacks:

Just as obstacles are a part of life, so are setbacks. Things don’t always go according to plan; but when a setback occurs, it is how you handle the situation that will help to determine future success.

Take into consideration any setbacks that may occur and teach your child how to successfully overcome and move past them. Teach your child how to keep his or her chin up, how to reassess the situation, and how to approach it in a new way so as to achieve success.

With this food for thought, you can help your special needs child set academic goals that he/she can successfully and confidently achieve.