Student Resources: Need help with Math and English? Your school will have links and availability to help you learn what you need to graduate. But if you’d like a little more direction, especially if you would like to go to college, follow this link to see what eReady Montana can provide for you!
Department Director: Michelle Mitchell
Phone: (406) 675-2700 ext. 1342
Hours:
Mon-Thurs: 8:00am – 5:30pm
Fri: 8:00am – 12:00pm
Parent Resources
Bullying Awareness and Prevention: 5 Things Parent Can Do along with this PDF
How Empowerment Montana Center, Inc. Works
| Bullying Awareness and Prevention: 5 Things Parents Can Do Every child deserves to feel safe, respected, and included at school. Children with disabilities may experience bullying because of differences in communication, learning, behavior, appearance, or the use of assistive devices. Sometimes, children may also have difficulty recognizing or communicating that they are being bullied. Parents and caregivers can play an important role in helping children recognize bullying, know when to ask for help, and feel supported. 1. Talk and Listen Make time to check in with your child about school, friendships, and how others are treating them. Ask open-ended questions and listen carefully. Remind your child that bullying is never their fault and that they can always come to you for help. 2. Watch for Changes Not every child will tell an adult when something is wrong. Changes in behavior may be a sign that your child is struggling. Watch for changes such as avoiding school or activities, becoming more withdrawn, changes in sleep or eating, unexplained injuries or damaged belongings, increased anxiety, or changes in behavior. 3. Identify Trusted Adults Help your child identify adults at school they can go to when they need help. This might be a teacher, special education teacher, counselor, administrator, or another trusted staff member. For children who communicate differently, work with the school to make sure they have an accessible way to report concerns and ask for help. 4. Work Together With the School If your child experiences bullying, share your concerns with the school and provide specific information about what happened. Keep a record of incidents, including dates, locations, what occurred, and who was involved. If appropriate, families can also discuss whether additional supports or strategies should be considered as part of their child’s IEP or 504 Plan. 5. Build Confidence and Connection Help your child develop friendships and participate in activities where they feel successful and included. Practice age-appropriate ways to respond to difficult situations, such as moving away, telling a trusted adult, using a communication device or other communication method, or asking for help. Every Child Deserves to Belong Preventing bullying is a shared responsibility. Families, schools, and communities can work together to create environments where differences are respected, communication is accessible, and every child has opportunities to learn, participate, and belong. If you have concerns about bullying or your child’s educational supports, Montana Empowerment Center is here to help. MEC provides families with information, resources, training, and individualized parent-to-parent support to help them feel more confident navigating the educational process. |
IEP or Section 504: What’s the difference?
Welcome to the Parent Resources Page!
IEP (Individualized Education Plan) is a plan or program developed to ensure that a child who has a disability identified under the law and is attending an elementary or secondary educational institution receives specialized instruction and related services. This may include “special education” or other alternative classroom experiences that help the individual learn the way they need to. This is controlled by the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA)
Section 504 is an important civil rights law that can provide educational benefits to kids with learning disabilities and/or ADHD in public schools. This is a federal statute, which means schools cannot “opt out” or “does not provide these services in this district.” The article links below can help guide you and your family towards obtaining the best education possible through Section 504 if you decide to pursue this avenue. Section 504 basically asks for equal access to public education and services.
Both should be updated annually. Most of our reservation public schools begin the year with reviewing the students’ progress form last year. This first meeting analyzes if the student needs changes or requires more focus. At the end of the year, typically, the school will meet with you and your child again to see what the progress has been for that academic year.
It’s important to remember that students have the option to attend these meetings and parents are definitely invited.
If you think you may need further help or guidance, please call
Alfred DeRoche
Tribal Education Advocate
Email: Alfred.DeRoche@cskt.org
Phone: (406)675-2700 ext. 1070
Sarah BigSam
Tribal Education Advocate
Email: Sarah.BigSam@cskt.org
Phone: (406)675-2700 ext. 1072
Vacant
Tribal Education Advocate
Email:
Phone: (406)675-2700
Be sure to follow us on Facebook for any updates to education on the reservation.
Articles that support you
- What is the difference between an IEP and a 504 Plan?
- What is an IEP? Everything you need to know about IDEA, IEPs, and 504 Plans
- A parent’s guide to Section 504 in public schools
- Parent and educator resource guide to Section 504 in public elementary and secondary schools
Videos
Teacher Resources
Exploring Home/Tribal Civics/Bibliographies
CSKT Tribal Civics Page & Playlist
Tribal Civics:
1855— Present Day
Visit materials covered in these lessons. Lessons will assist students in
scaffolding information and understanding.