Strategies to Help Collaborate with Your Child’s School Presenter: Bernice Thompson

Vestal Family Training Mission Statement Parents will be provided with opportunities to meet regularly with other parents and professionals in a group setting. The Vestal Family Training Program will provide parents with information about child development, and appropriate information regarding Autism Spectrum Disorders. Also, the program will assist parents to understand the needs of their child.

Families and Professionals Collaborating Together What is it? Two or more parties working towards a common goal – THE PROGRESS OF YOUR CHILD

Why is collaboration important? Child benefits – can lead to success Ongoing positive relationships Ensures ongoing problem solving Uses time effectively Maximizes the strength of each person on the team Maximizes the progress of the child

What are the challenges involved? Personal time School staff time Resistance from others (“this is how we do things”) Defensiveness from others (“we tried that”) Mistrust

Ways to Collaborate Provide Information Overview of child Ongoing updates Changes (sleep, attitude, diet, medications) Medical issues Additional therapies

How do you find ways to communicate with the teacher or therapist? Home-school notebook Notes Phone calls Team meeting – monthly/quarterly *Tip: Ask how therapists and teacher are collaborating

Seek Information About teachers Daily activities About child’s day How you can support your child at home  Too much information can be difficult to convey on daily basis  tends to be the easiest and most convenient way to receive and convey information

Meet with the Team Initial meeting Ongoing meetings to problem solve IEP process

Establish Relationships Regular communication Positive communication Offer assistance Ask for assistance  Important to acknowledge positives  Helps to build trust  You may have to educate the professionals at times

Share Data From Home Evaluations Notes and observations from others

Set Mutual Goals IEP Your family needs Changes in needs Seek affirmation of your needs Do you understand and agree with our needs/goals Know what your needs are

Provide Positive Feedback About your child’s progress Teacher’s interactions Activities in the classroom

All Parties Compromise, Think Win – Win Be open Be clear about expectations Know your priorities Know what’s not important and what you can let go of

Ask What is Needed From You At home At school Supplies  Builds trust and collaboration

Be Proactive Don’t let concerns build Establish regular communication Request feedback

Questions About Collaboration Is it possible to have too many meetings, or to share too much information? Yes, if it is not serving the purpose to help your child progress Helps to prioritize needs Can lead to overwhelming feelings, mistrust

When would you go speak with the principal? Serious issue – go immediately Needs not being met Exhausted other resources Communication with teacher is not taking place

Everyone Needs to Work Together Therapists School Parents Your Child  This is always a work in progress.