If your child is having trouble in school, he may need help from a teacher with special training. This extra help is called special education. It’s free, and your child has a right to it under federal law.

The public school system has a range of specialists who can work with your child, whether his problems stem from physical disabilities, learning difficulties or emotional issues.

Some problems can be solved with the help of your child’s regular classroom teacher. For example, if your child is easily distracted, the teacher may ask him to sit close to her. Individual help before or after school may be all he needs.

But if these strategies don’t work, other help is available. Your child may be placed in a smaller class for part of the day or in a class with two teachers.

Your child may be eligible for what are called "related services." These include counseling, speech therapy, and physical and occupational therapy.

Except in extraordinary circumstances, teachers and staff are supposed to get your child the help he needs in his regular school. They are not supposed to tell you that you have to find another school. If the school cannot provide the help your child needs, he may be eligible to attend a private school at the city’s expense.