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Effective communication is the cornerstone
of any strong relationship.
For parents with special needs children,
effective communication with the teachers and specialists
who work with their children is essential for a successful
and productive experience for everyone.
Here are a few suggestions to guide you
in developing a good working relationship with the people
who work with your children.
Most schools begin the year with a back-to-school-night event,
which is a great way to get to know your child's teachers.
If attending the event is not possible,
be sure to introduce yourself with a note
or an email asking how the teacher prefers to be contacted
and the best time of day to reach him or her.
Establishing procedures
for future communications will set a positive tone
to begin the year.
If you have just moved to a new school,
set up an Individualized Education Program, or IEP,
meeting as soon as possible.
Doing so will ensure that your child receives services
comparable to those he or she received at the previous school
until the current IEP is adopted or a new one is in place.
The meeting will give you the opportunity
to meet the specialists who will be working with your child.
It is important to encourage communication
between your child's teachers
and other related service providers
and to keep them updated on changes at home.
Deployments and separations may affect your child's behavior
and class work.
Setting up a communication log is a great way to record
and track ongoing conversations about class work
and should focus on positive outcomes for the day or week.
Be sure to ask the teacher to call you if he
or she has a concern about your child's behavior or achievement.
Remember, effective communication has
lasting benefits.
Parents, teachers, and specialists must work together
as a team to provide a positive learning experience
for children.