My first recommendation is to meet with the teacher and discuss your concerns. Does the teacher have the same concerns? If so, what is being done? If not, why not?

If the teacher is concerned, can testing be done to determine if there is a learning disability? Is your child getting extra support from someone such as a Title 1 tutor? Are their volunteers who can give your child extra practice each day? Are there suggestions for doing activities at home? Is your child correctly placed in a primary one room? These are all questions you should ask the teacher.

If the teacher is not concerned, ask why not. It could be that your daughter is developmentally appropriate for her placement and is receiving a program that will be beneficial. The pace may not be what you expected and more information or better communication may be needed.

Although you may feel uncomfortable asking a teacher a question that could be perceived as questioning her judgment, do not for a minute hesitate. Teachers know a great deal about each child in their room, but not everything. Each of us can do a better job as parent and as teacher if we join forces and share our expertise and knowledge about children. Your child's teacher will be able to give you insight on what has been happening in the learning process at school and will value your concern. Together you can be very helpful to your child.