As the school year kicks off, building strong communication with your child’s teachers is key to a successful year. Here are some tips to help you establish and maintain effective communication...
Start with an initial meeting
Take advantage of any initial parent-teacher meetings to discuss your child’s strengths, areas for improvement and specific needs. Share important information, such as medical conditions, effective behavioral strategies and your child’s interests.
Create a communication plan
Work with teachers to set a clear (and realistic) communication plan. Decide on the best methods for staying in touch (email, phone or communication apps), the frequency of updates, and the type of information to be shared. Regular check-ins help you stay informed and address issues promptly. On that same note, parents need to respond to teachers promptly. In a highly virtual world, checking your emails at least a few times a week is necessary, if not more.
Read the newsletter
Many school districts provide a newsletter delivered monthly to parents. This is a great way to stay involved!
Be an advocate for your child
Advocate for your child’s needs by clearly communicating any required accommodations or modifications. Provide necessary documentation, such as IEPs or 504 plans, and ensure teachers understand how to implement these supports.
Get it in writing
Many parents have children who are being sent home or reprimanded frequently for behavior struggles. Ask for written documentation of why a child was asked to be picked up or provided a consequence.
This will help you identify skills that need to be worked on at home and advocate for your child if needed.
Stay positive and collaborative
Most teachers want to do the right thing for their students and parents. Show appreciation for teachers’ efforts and acknowledge their challenges. When issues arise, discuss them calmly and work together to find solutions. Building a strong partnership with your child’s educator will make you feel great, and benefit your child’s educational experience.
Brought to you by:
Kids NW
922 NW Circle Blvd, Ste 160-112
Corvallis, OR 97330
kidsnw.org | 1.888.360.0360
Audrey Benson
Behavior Supervisor
KIDS NW connects families with compassionate caregivers, specially trained in serving individuals with disabilities.
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