1. Sarah Cordett, M.A. 1

2. Agenda Unit 6 Project Unit 6 Topics  Empowering families  Video  Virtual field trip  Families and the ECE professional  Video  Virtual field trip

3. Project for Unit 6 You will help a (hypothetical) parent write a letter to the child's school on behalf of a child who needs special care. For example, you could write letter on behalf of a parent who has a concern that their child has a learning disability and is requesting that the child be observed and/or tested.

4. Project for Unit 6 My Studies > Writing and Math Centers > Writing Center > Writing Reference Library > Writing Types and Tools > Samples of Formal Writing p. 13 Components:  Sender’s full address and contact information  Date  Recipients’ full address and contact information  Salutation  Introductory and concluding paragraphs  Complimentary close (e.g. “Sincerely”)  Signature  Name

5. Project Rubric Unit 6: Hypothetical Letter – 120 Points A concern that a child has a learning disability and is requesting that the child be observed and/or tested. (___/25 points) Citations and documentation of what you think the disability may be. (___/25 points) Clear and smooth transitions; includes introductory and concluding paragraphs. (___/25 points) The required format (sender/recipient information, date, appropriate sign off) and contains no spelling or grammatical errors. (___/25 points) A separate title page, properly formatted, a separate reference page and was typed using a 12 point font (Ariel or Times New Roman). (___/20 points)

6. 6 Describe the importance of partnership with the family of a child with special needs Identify strategies for advocacy on behalf of a child with special needs Explain the importance of empowering families of children with special needs Demonstrate how to write a letter of advocacy on behalf of a child with special needs

7. Empowering Families Public Law 101-476 (IDEA) clearly defines the rights of children with disabilities and their parents. A basic provision of the law is the right of parents to participate in the educational decision-making process. Video - “Historical Perspective” Share: What is your response to the video? How has the law changed to help families?

8. Virtual Field Trip Go to the link Rights and Responsibilities link in the Information box. Take 5 minutes to read the section “What Are Your Rights in the Special Education Process?” Share: Choose one right and explain its significance. Why is it important?

9. Role of the ECE Professional Facilitate empowerment for families Respect family choice Appreciate cultural differences Value linguistic differences Communicate effectively with families Recognize you are part of a team to help the child (Allen & Cowdery, 2009)

10. Role of the ECE Professional Stress positives or appreciative comments about the child’s day in front of child and parent Discuss concerns in private Encourage parental observations Encourage involvement in parent support groups Provide home visits and other services as needed (Allen & Cowdery, 2009)

11. Family Adjustment Financial burdens – expensive medical treatments, foods, equipment, etc. Frightening episodes can occur Transportation challenges Around the clock demands, fatigue Little or no chance for recreation Jealous siblings Marital stresses (Allen & Cowdery, 2009)

12. Virtual Field Trip Watch the “Parents and Special Needs Video” in the Information Box. Share: As you listened to the parents speak, what impacted you the most? How does hearing a parent’s perspective help you to provide better care for their child?

13. Partnering with Families Communication Informal exchanges Parent observations Telephone calls Written notes Two-way journal Conferences Email (Allen & Cowdery, 2009)

14. Virtual Field Trip Go to the link Parent-Teacher link in the Information box. Take 7 minutes to read “Establishing a Parent- Teacher Relationship” Share: Choose one of the guidelines. Explain it in your own words and how it might help you better communicate with a parent.

15. References Allen, E.K., Cowdery, G.E. (2009). The Exceptional Child: inclusion in early childhood education. United States of America: Thompson Delmar Learning Child Development Institute. (2007) Rights and Responsibilities of Parents of Children With Disabilities. Retrieved May 11, 2008 from website link in unit 6 in CE240: Caring for Infants and Toddlers with Special Needs by Kaplan University.

16. Have a good week!