When families begin to worry about their child’s progress at school, it can be difficult to know where to turn or what steps to take. We spoke with Kimberly Anderson, a Grade 3 Teacher at John F. Kennedy Elementary School, to share insight into how families can better understand school-based supports, advocate for their child, and build strong partnerships with educators.
Her perspective helps families see how schools approach evaluations, 504 plans, and IEPs — and how communication and collaboration can make the process more effective for everyone involved.
Key Points From This Interview
- Why many families struggle to navigate the school support system
- How teachers support families during evaluations, IEPs, and 504 processes
- Why asking questions and advocating matters
- What strong parent–teacher partnerships look like
- How schools can make accessing support easier
Educator Snapshot
Name: Kimberly Anderson
Job Title: Grade 3 Teacher
School: John F. Kennedy Elementary School
Department: Elementary Education
From your perspective, what do families seem to struggle with most when trying to access support for their child?
Many families struggle because they are not fully educated on how the school system works. For example, some parents do not realize they can formally request an evaluation to better understand their child’s strengths and areas of need.
Without clear guidance, families may feel unsure about their rights or what steps they can take to initiate support.
Supporting Families Through Evaluations, IEPs, and 504 Plans
How do you support families who are navigating 504 or IEP processes or school-based evaluations?
School districts are required to send parents information about their procedural rights once a year. This helps families understand the evaluation process, available supports, and their rights within the system.
Teachers also play a role in answering questions and helping families understand what these processes look like in practice.
Advocating for Your Child Within the School System
What advice would you give parents beginning the 504 or IEP process?
I encourage parents to ask lots of questions and remember that they do not have to agree with everything a school district proposes. Parents are their child’s best advocate.
If families feel unsure or overwhelmed, speaking with an advocate can be incredibly helpful.
Partnering With Teachers: What Families Should Know
What do you wish more families understood about partnering with schools?
Teachers want what is best for students and are often on the same page as families. However, teachers are sometimes constrained by district-level decisions and may not always agree with what is being proposed.
Understanding this can help families approach conversations with empathy and collaboration.
Communication That Builds Trust
What makes communication between parents and teachers most effective?
Strong relationships between parents and teachers are built on honesty and open communication. It’s important for both sides to be realistic and thoughtful about a child’s needs and capacity.
When communication is respectful and ongoing, it helps everyone work toward the same goals.
Reducing Barriers to Accessing Support
What changes would make accessing support easier for families?
Greater parental education around the process and parental rights would make a meaningful difference. When families understand how the system works, they are better equipped to navigate it confidently.
When Parents Are Worried
What do you want parents to know when they are worried about their child at school?
Parents should reach out to their child’s teacher as soon as concerns arise. Many times, teachers share those same concerns and can help guide next steps.
Key Takeaways for Families
- Many families feel unsure navigating school supports — you’re not alone
- Parents can request evaluations and ask questions at any point
- Teachers want to partner with families, even when district limitations exist
- Honest, respectful communication supports better outcomes
Bringing an advocate or support person to meetings is okay
