Collaborating with families
As educators, we will be expected to collaborate with a wide variety of family
structures that represent a variety of cultures and values. In addition to understanding
the structure, culture, values and challenges of these families, we must also find the best
method of cooperating effectively with them. The needs of the student and the vision
the parents have for their child must remain at the forefront of our focus.
One of the most important responsibilities that we have as special educators is
that of explaining a special needs diagnosis to the family. We must convey the result of
all testing accurately and compassionately. Parents will need time to process and cope
with the diagnosis that their child receives. We must be patient with them and ready to
answer their many questions. Finally, we must be ready to offer support and resources
for both the student and the parent.
We need to be familiar with local family-centered programs offered in our school and community. We must also make our interactions with the family culturally appropriate. Our classroom should be welcoming to parents and represent values and cultural elements that are important to their family. We must also seek out programs that are of unique interest to each particular family.
As teachers, we are responsible for making parents feel involved in their child's
education program. We must foster family participation through a welcoming
environment and thorough preparation. We should consider the needs and feelings of
parents at all conferences and meetings. We need to be sensitive to any situation that
could be intimidating to parents and support them in any way possible.
structures that represent a variety of cultures and values. In addition to understanding
the structure, culture, values and challenges of these families, we must also find the best
method of cooperating effectively with them. The needs of the student and the vision
the parents have for their child must remain at the forefront of our focus.
One of the most important responsibilities that we have as special educators is
that of explaining a special needs diagnosis to the family. We must convey the result of
all testing accurately and compassionately. Parents will need time to process and cope
with the diagnosis that their child receives. We must be patient with them and ready to
answer their many questions. Finally, we must be ready to offer support and resources
for both the student and the parent.
We need to be familiar with local family-centered programs offered in our school and community. We must also make our interactions with the family culturally appropriate. Our classroom should be welcoming to parents and represent values and cultural elements that are important to their family. We must also seek out programs that are of unique interest to each particular family.
As teachers, we are responsible for making parents feel involved in their child's
education program. We must foster family participation through a welcoming
environment and thorough preparation. We should consider the needs and feelings of
parents at all conferences and meetings. We need to be sensitive to any situation that
could be intimidating to parents and support them in any way possible.
by: Ashley Seabrooke