September 1, 2007

Education Advocacy Guide for Caregivers: Supporting School Success for Children and Youth in Care

Designed for caregivers in Washington State, this guide discusses how foster children can be supported in their academic pursuits. It begins by discussing what types of information caregivers can share with the school and types of information social workers can share with the school. The roles and responsibilities of foster children, caregivers, parents, and social workers in educational advocacy are then described. Following sections address: how caregivers can build a partnership with the school; school stability and enrollment; school discipline, including the rights and responsibilities of a child, suspension, expulsion, and discipline hearings; early intervention and special education, including developing an Individualized Education Program and Section 504 accommodation plans; types of early learning opportunities available for children birth to 5 years of age; tips for helping elementary school students to stay ahead; motivation and study habits for middle school children; strategies for helping high schoolers and high school graduation; programs to help students prepare for education beyond high school; and the Educational Advocacy Program.