What communication and planning tool should be recommended for a family concerned about bullying for their school-aged child with special needs?

When addressing concerns about bullying for a school-aged child with special needs, a key resource for the family is the School Safety Plan. This type of plan specifically addresses the safety and support needs for children within the school environment, especially in the context of bullying situations.

A School Safety Plan is designed to outline strategies and interventions to ensure a child feels safe and secure at school. It may include measures for addressing bullying, procedures for reporting incidents, and protocols for how school personnel will respond to ensure the child's well-being. Such a plan is essential for communicating the family's specific concerns and needs to the school staff and ensuring that appropriate measures are in place.

While an Individualized Education Plan focuses on the educational needs and accommodations for a child with special needs, and a Behavior Intervention Plan addresses specific behavioral challenges the child may face, neither is specifically tailored to bullying situations. Admissions, Review, and Dismissal processes typically deal with the evaluation and placement of students in special education rather than immediate safety concerns. Therefore, a School Safety Plan is the most relevant tool to address the issue of bullying effectively.