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Managing Information

Keeping a filing system

Many parents find it very worthwhile to keep organised notes and records about their children. It can make it easier to keep everyone informed about what's happening with your child.

It's helpful to come prepared to any meetings regarding your child and some parents like to photocopy relevant documents and give them to their child's new teacher at the start of the school year.

You might find it useful to keep the following records organised and accessible:

General notes about your child

goals, dreams and aspirations
dates and ages of developmental milestones e.g. first words and first steps
notes from meetings
research information related to your child's needs, or potential interventions or strategies
general information about your child's condition, if relevant.

A list of contacts

community support staff, including names, agencies and contact numbers
paediatricians and doctors involved in diagnosing or caring for your child. Include their names, specialties, phone numbers and addresses
other specialists e.g. speech-language pathologists, physiotherapists and occupational therapists
school and school transportation phone numbers, and names and titles of contact people.

School records

school correspondence, with the date noted
individualised program plans
report cards
records of educational assessments, standardised tests and adjustments
school transportation details e.g. contact names, bus numbers and routes
school achievements and awards.

Medical records

birth records, including your child's birth certificate and any other relevant information about the pregnancy and birth
a record of developmental checks and vaccinations.*
a record of medical interventions e.g. assessments, treatments and surgeries
medication history e.g. details about medications, side effects, dosages and purposes.

*Queensland Health provides all new Queensland parents iwth a Personal Health Record to record this information. If you need one, contact any hospital maternity ward.

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