How Parents and Teachers Can Work Together

Within the first few months of school, I became anxious and frustrated. I watched as the classroom teacher taught my son in ways that were limited to the recommendations of his IEP (Individual Education Plan) I knew so much about him that could truly make more of a difference in his education. I had spent hours observing him, reading books, talking to professionals and attending workshops. I had insight into his special needs.

I realized that I could not expect the school to fulfill all of my son’s educational goals without my support. I needed to become involved in the process. I could share information with the teacher that I had gathered from research and reading. I could make suggestions for additional learning services and supplemental activities. Most importantly, I could provide proactive guidance and support.


Steps to success

1. Inform the School. When registering your child for school, indicate in writingthat he or she has special needs.
2. Meet with the Principal. You can ask questions related to school safety, routines, resources and steps that will be taken to address your child’s special needs.
3. Meet with the Teacher. Do this as soon as possible, and definitely before the first IEP meeting. Use this time to introduce yourself and share information about your child.
4. Develop a Communication Strategy. Set up the best method to communicate with the teacher to share brief updates and information about your child’s progress.
5. Demonstrate Capabilities. Bring in a portfolio of your child’s work from home to meetings with the school, to demonstrate your child’s overall strengths and weakness.
6. Provide the Teacher with Resources. Create a folder of handouts, articles, written strategies, or website addresses that you believe will be useful to the education of your child.
7. Help and Support the Teacher Lend a helping hand in the classroom!  Be prepared to support other children too, as this frees up more time for the teacher to work directly with your child.
8. Prepare for the IEP Meeting. Be prepared for the IEP meeting by making sure you arrive on time and know what the goals of the meeting. Write down questions and concerns you have, regardless of how certain you are that you will remember them.
9. Provide Information and Evidence. Notify the school of any outside evaluations, medical information or support services that can help school personnel continue to provide a strong educational program.
10. Offer Feedback. If needed, provide constructive feedback. Indicate what has worked best for your child and what hasn’t. Teachers reflect daily on their practice and make changes according to their students’ success.

http://nichcy.org/how-parents-teachers-can-work-together-in-the-inclusive-classroom