What if my child's teacher doesn't want them wearing a headset in class?

Some teachers are reluctant to let a student wear headphones or earplugs in class, but if your child benefits from this accommodation to reduce noise and distractions, and the accommodation is written into your child's IEP, then their teacher should allow it. The first step is to meet with the teacher and use an empathetic approach. You might say, “I get it, it took a while for me to know that my child is listening even with the headset on.” Try to start with this to avoid combativeness or defensiveness. You can also talk about seating arrangements so that your child is seated in the front of class.

If that doesn’t work, speak with your child's case carrier or assistant principal and make it about compliance with the IEP.

For more information, see our full article What to Do If Teachers Aren’t Implementing IEP Accommodations.