How to Talk to your Child’s Teacher

Being the parent of a child with a developmental delay can be an emotionally charged experience. Frustration and confusion can complicate the conversations between parents and teachers. Respect for each other and open communication can reduce tension and enable parents and teachers to benefit from each other’s expertise and knowledge of the child.

Working together, either informally or during a formal evaluation, parents, teachers, and children can inform one another about how best to address a child’s needs.

Here are some steps to take in talking with your child’s teacher:

Share observations.

Discuss your child’s successes and struggles in school and identify where breakdowns are occurring. What worries or concerns do you and your child’s teacher share?

Identify and discuss the child’s strengths and interests.

How can they be used to enhance his or her ability to learn? Can reading a book, writing a report, or creating a drawing on a topic of interest help a child sustain attention?

Clarify the instructional program.

If your child is struggling in reading or math, for example, discuss with the teacher how the instructional program or text being used is working for the child. Examine and evaluate accommodations and interventions, such as extra time or individualized instruction.

Acknowledge emotional reactions to the situation.

Discuss how children who experience frustration because of learning difficulties at school may become so anxious that they give up or turn their energy to acting out. Share strategies with each other that have worked in the classroom and at home to help the child cope.

Strategize together.

Discuss possible strategies, including those you have tried that were successful, and ask about strategies that might work both at school and at home. Establish a plan for ongoing discussion and problem solving.

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Source: PBS

How to Prepare for an IEP/Special Education Process

An evaluation is the first step in getting your child the help needed to learn and progress in school. The evaluation tells you and the teachers what your child needs to learn and how he or she may learn. This information is then used to build an Individualized Education Program, known as an IEP.

The IEP is a personal plan for your child to help them learn and grow to their fullest potential. It also is a legal document that outlines your child’s performance and strengths, while identifying needs, goals, and services.

You and your child must be given choices when planning the IEP,
such as the possibility of your child receiving special education or related services in a general education class referred to as “Inclusive education”. Inclusive education or inclusion, should be your first choice, because it is the least restrictive environment for your child.

The IEP Meeting

If it is found that your child is eligible for special education services, you will be asked to attend an IEP meeting to discuss the evaluation results and to plan your child’s educational program. The purpose of the meeting is for everyone who is involved in your child’s education to talk together.

You will work with teachers, therapists, and the school district to collaboratively develop educational goals that are measurable and achievable. The input of each person is necessary to develop a comprehensive and meaningful plan that builds on your child’s strengths. Your participation is key!

The team monitors your child’s progress and reviews IEP goals regularly throughout the year. The team meets at least twice a year with parents to assess progress, and provides written reports quarterly. The IEP is reviewed and updated annually but may be reviewed and revised at any time upon the request of the parent or professional.

How to Prepare for an IEP

1. If you suspect your child has a delay, you will need to get her or him evaluated. Once they are evaluated, you will attend an IEP meeting.

2. During the meeting, ask questions. Especially if it’s your first time through this process, make sure you understand and feel comfortable. Everyone on your child’s team is there to help, but remember your and your child’s rights.

3. Know when the next IEP meeting will be held and if there is anything else to do before it. Watch your child’s progress.
If you have concerns or questions before your next meeting, talk with your IEP team.

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How to Talk to Your Child’s Doctor

Your child’s doctor can be valuable resource when you have questions and concerns about your child’s health, but finding time for regular checkups and sick visits may be a stretch for your already jam-packed schedule. The doctor may be overbooked and over-scheduled, too, so making the most of your time together is important.

The key to building a better relationship with your child’s doctor is open communication and reasonable expectations. You can aid communication by letting the doctor know that you trust him or her to care for your child.

It’s good to ask questions, but let the doctor know that you want decisions, diagnoses, and prescriptions to be based on the best decision for the health of your child, not what’s easier for you or makes you feel better.

You should also be as prepared as possible with details during your doctor visits. When asked how your child is doing, be ready to share any concerns or ask any questions. It’s best to be specific.

-Consider jotting down your questions and concerns before the appointment so you’ll remember everything you want to bring up.

Parents often have a difficult time sharing concerns about their child. Here are four ways to best help your child.

1. Express your concerns clearly.

While this issue can be an emotional one, try to focus on your concrete concerns, such as developmental milestones.

2. Ask questions.

If there are terms you don’t understand, ask your physician to explain. Ask what the next step will be.

3. Follow up.

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Source:www.kidshealth.org | Source:www.firstsigns.org