Parents, you are your child's first teacher. You know what can create a successful or disastrous day for your child. Be confident that you can offer valuable information to the school staff about meeting your child's needs. In order to sufficiently do so, you must know your child's (IEP) Individual Education Plan. Be sure to understand the details, specifically in the areas of: goals and objectives, placement, and supportive aids (classroom modifications and testing accommodations).
3 Keys to Success
Be Proactive
The person who initiates communication can set the tone for the relationship. Waiting until you receive that phone call or letter from school before making a formal introduction creates a reaction versus a proactive purposeful intent. Educators are there to support your child's educational experiences. See them as a friend or colleague. Remember that as with any other relationship, the more you are supportive, the better the relationship works.
Be Present
In order to truly know what is working or not working at your child's school or in the class, you must be present. Schools and teachers appreciate volunteers. Begin with your child's class. You may start by reviewing your child's homework, send in an extra set of supplies for the class, and make preliminary phone calls to set up a field trip, or gather materials for centers or projects. Those tasks may seem simple but really can support a teacher especially if he/she does not have a class assistant.
Some teachers are apprehensive about class volunteers, when they are secretly there as class spies. Being present is about building a rapport and trust with the teacher, so be mindful that your actions and words should be ones that uplift and support the relationship you desire for the sake of your child.
Be Persistent
Do not be dismayed by a teacher who refuses your support or presence. Begin by making small gestures of a weekly phone call or email. Sometimes teachers are overwhelmed and thinking about how you may help her possibly just gives her one more thing to do. Instead of waiting for her to give you a task, be observant. Notice things that may be needed in the class when you drop off or pick up your child. Look at projects details or newsletters to identify ways you could contribute with those activities.
3 Tier Approach
Home
Use a schedule for routines, a calendar that would include school and out of school activities, have a full set of extra school supplies that remain at home for homework or projects, a library card (to access books and computer use), set regular bed times and routines, review the cafeteria menu - particularly if there are known allergies.
Having extra supplies at home, with a structured place for homework is critical to school success. Creating a consistent routine that includes reading something each night with a follow up discussion and completing homework assignments allows for additional practice and integration of class instruction. Take notice if your child consistently struggles with homework assignments. Let your child's teacher know how frequently the struggles occur and be specific about where the gaps appear to be happening.
School
When possible, schedule the most difficult classes before lunch. Schedule an appointment to meet all teachers between 1st-3rd weeks of the new school year. An introduction letter can substitute if necessary. If a teacher gives out contact information, use it with consideration and when needed to maintain a supportive home-school relationship. Keep a copy of the syllabus and long term project to prepare in advance. Ask about projects for the semester during your initial communication.
The school staff needs to be sufficiently equipped to meet your child's needs. If there are special needs and specialized equipment that is necessary, be sure the school has what is required. Competent staff is compulsory for your child to make adequate progress. If you are concerned about the level of instruction or the class environment, do not wait with the belief that things will be resolved without your involvement. Begin by addressing your concerns with the teacher, and proceed up the line of command until you feel that your concerns are being addressed. If necessary be a HIGH MAINTENANCE parent, but do it with a smile if possible.
Supportive aids
These are simply specialized resources specific to meet your child's needs. They may be as small as a paper clip to place mark a text book page or it may be a personal laptop computer to complete class work and homework assignments. Below is a starting list of items to consider for your child.
Organizational binder to keep all folders and assignments in a central location (Trapper Keeper), audio text books or other lengthy reading assignments, an agenda (personal calendar/appointment book), graphic/visual organizers, tape/CD recorders for class lectures or to dictate long writing tasks, computer software to support reading and writing challenges, highlighting tape to illuminate key facts and information in a book or worksheet, additional textbooks at home or ones that can be marked in to assist with studying.
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