In December, the National PTA’s “Every Child in Focus” campaign centers on National Special Education Day, which is observed Dec. 2 and, this year, marks the 40th anniversary of the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), the nation’s first federal law that ensured access to education for all children, including children with special needs. We celebrate the contributions of staff members whose dedication and expertise help our students with special needs to be successful, including the work of special education teachers, paraprofessionals, administrators, counselors, transportation, and other support staff. At home, families of children with special needs may find GCPS-produced parent tipsheets to be useful, including one on support at home for a child with ADHD/ADD, strategies to relieve stress, tips for a productive IEP meeting, and strategies for grandparents who are raising children with special needs.
