Does your child with autism have a massive amount of school records, and you are not sure what to do with them? Would you like a organized system, so that you can find important information at a moments notice? Then this article is for you; it will give you some parenting tips, on how to store your child's special education records. Short and Long Term storage will be discussed.
Before you are ready to store your child's records here are a few things to do first:
Bookshelf Leaning
A. Get a complete copy of your child's school record, from special education personnel, in your district. Put them in order, older records on the bottom, newer records on the top.
B. Number each document with a pencil. Do not write on original documents, use post it notes. That way, they can be copied later if needed.
C. Make a decision about how you want to keep the records; hanging files or in binders to put on a bookshelf.
D. Write or type a index for each binder or hanging file. Put the numbers of the documents, and also what is in the files. Be very specific, so that you can find what you need. For Example: Document 6, psychological from 04-11-07 includes academic testing, psychological testing, good statements about Bobbie's educational needs. Social worker report includes great information about Bobbie's adaptive skills.
Short Term Storage for current special educational records:
1. Go to an office supply store and buy clear Top Loading sheet protectors. You can buy them by the box. Also purchase a snap locking large ring binder, for short term storage of records.
2. Put each document in the protectors. This way they cannot be destroyed.
3. Put the current documents in a snap locking large ring binder, older documents on the bottom, newer documents on the top. Add the index to the front of the binder. If your child has a lot of current school records, you may need to purchase more than one binder.
Long Term Storage:
1. Go to an office supply store and buy clear top loading sheet protectors.
2. Also purchase Hanging storage binders or large 3 ring binders, whichever you have decided to use. If you choose 3 ring binders, make sure that the rings are large, so that they can fit more documents.
3. Place the records in the clear top loading sheet protectors, older on the bottom, and newer on the top. Then put in the binders.
4. Put an index in the beginning of each binder, and a date on each binder. You can separate the documents by years if you would like to.
5. Place the records in the binders. For the hanging storage binders you can put those in a file cabinet. The 3 ring binders can be put on a book shelf.
By knowing how to store your child's school records, they will be organized and easy to find at a moments notice. Happy storing!