Advocating for Your Child with Dyslexia: A Parent’s Guide
When it comes to your child, you are their number one advocate, and nobody knows your child better than you do. But, navigating the school system and selecting the best available support can feel overwhelming, especially when you're learning as you go. Here's what you need to know.
What Parents Can Do
Learn the basics. Get clear on what dyslexia is and what it isn't. Understand what good, evidence-based instruction looks like so you can recognize when it's happening and when it isn't. Most importantly, learn your rights. At both the state and federal levels, you have more power in this process than you may realize.
Document everything. Keep every piece of paper that comes home, test results, report cards, emails, and teacher notes. Follow up verbal conversations with a quick email summary to create a paper trail. At home, track homework time, note patterns like frustration or avoidance, and hold onto returned work samples. In meetings, make sure everything discussed is captured in the Prior Written Notice, and keep your own notes alongside it.
IEP goals progress monitoring. Ask for updates at least twice a month. If four data points in a row fall below expected growth, request that the team reconvenes; don't wait for the annual review to find out something isn't working.
Ask the right questions. When progress feels stalled, put your concerns in writing and request a meeting. Come prepared to ask: What evidence-based instruction is being used? What data led to this decision? What will change to get different results?
Show up as an equal, because you are one. You are a full member of the IEP team, not just an observer. If you want to better understand your rights, the Center for Parent Information & Resources is a great place to start.
Don't lose sight of your child. Advocacy can feel like you are buried in paperwork and administrative activities. Make sure your child still feels celebrated along the way. Remind them that dyslexia is one part of who they are — and it often comes with real strengths.
When You Need Extra Support
If you're looking to build your knowledge base, two resources we regularly suggest are Dyslexia Advocate: How to Advocate for a Child with Dyslexia within the Public Education System by Kelli Sandman-Hurley and Wrightslaw. Both offer solid, trustworthy information on parental rights, special education law, and how to advocate effectively for your child. Bookmark them. Return to them often.
And if any of the following feels familiar, it may be time to bring in an advocate:
Your child isn't making meaningful progress despite services being in place
You're struggling to understand evaluations, reports, or the decisions being made
IEP meetings feel one-sided, rushed, or unclear
You leave meetings unsure of what was agreed to or what happens next
How Can We Help?
JUMP Reading provides advocacy services. We will do the prep work, attend the meeting with you, and do the follow-up to make sure your child and their IEP are on track. You don't have to do this alone!
If you’re ready for a clear next step, schedule a consultation, and we’ll talk through what support could look like.
