Getting truancy letters from the school, especially when your child is dealing with something as serious as anxiety and refusing to go to school, can be alarming. First off, don’t panic; these situations are usually the result of a mixup that can be easily corrected with communication. Stay in close contact with your child’s special education team or case manager, and make sure to document everything. If your child has a medical condition like anxiety, you can ensure that the school is updated regularly and that any relevant notes or plans, like an IEP, are on file. The key is to document everything.
If, despite your best efforts, the school continues to treat the situation as truancy and doesn’t seem to recognize your child’s needs, it might be time to bring in some additional support, such as an advocate or an attorney who specializes in education law. Their role would be to help explain the situation, ensure that a child’s rights are being upheld, and make sure the correct information is being presented to the school.
For more information on truancy and SARB (School Attendance Review Board), see School Refusal 101.
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