School Navigation Series

Navigating school systems can feel overwhelming, especially when your child’s educational journey includes adoption, foster care, trauma, or learning a new language. The School Navigation Series gives parents and caregivers practical information to help them approach enrollment, school supports, evaluations, and advocacy with greater clarity and confidence.

Throughout six short videos, you will learn how to:

• Prepare for school enrollment and gather important educational records

• Understand the difference between a 504 Plan and an Individualized Education Program (IEP)

• Request and participate in a school evaluation

• Help educators recognize how trauma and early adversity may affect learning and behavior

• Navigate English learner services while avoiding the misidentification of language differences as disabilities

• Communicate effectively with school teams, document requests, and advocate for your child without carrying the process alone

Whether your child is entering a new school or needs additional support in the classroom, this series will help you ask informed questions, collaborate with educators, and keep your child’s individual strengths, history, and needs at the center of the conversation.