If your son isn't learning how to read, if your daughter is being teased on the playground, if both complain that the cafeteria is too rowdy, you may need to get the teacher or the school to step in and do something. Finding a remedy is sometimes as easy as sending a polite, backpacked note to the teacher, or having a conversation with the parent coordinator. Other times you may not be able to resolve your problem at the school level and may want to contact other officials at the Department of Education to help find a solution. In some cases you may need to reach out beyond the city's school system, to a community organization, an advocacy or legal group, or even an elected official.

It's important to know where to start and what to do if you or your child is having a problem at school. Insideschools can help you navigate the system, and give you advice about how to proceed and who to contact.

For information about where to get help in resolving your problem at school, click on the links below.

Also see a list of our most common "I need help!" questions.