Collaborating with the community
As special educators we have an opportunity to work as an advocate for the needs of our students and their families. We can bridge the gap between our students and the world around them. Students and their families need to feel accepted in their community and know that they are respected and supported outside of the school. We can connect families with organizations that support their unique needs and values.
We should work to find community resources available locally and on the internet. We should be aware of current programs and events for students with special needs and their families. We need to get involved with community organizations and programs to gain information that we can share with parents and students.
We can work with our school to create effective partnerships with community experts and organizations. The school can support the community and the community can support the school. Students will benefit from professionals, experts, and organization representatives visiting the school or classroom. They can also benefit from getting out in the community to receive services or volunteer to help others. Partnering with community organizations helps all parties involved.
Connecting with community organization can be challenging, and we must take steps to ensure successful interagency collaboration. We must demonstrate respect for the role and values of the organization with which we are working. Successful community collaboration requires careful planning and flexibility on the part of the school and the community organization. Collaboration with the community is very important to the development of students, families, and the school, and it is well worth the added effort.
We should work to find community resources available locally and on the internet. We should be aware of current programs and events for students with special needs and their families. We need to get involved with community organizations and programs to gain information that we can share with parents and students.
We can work with our school to create effective partnerships with community experts and organizations. The school can support the community and the community can support the school. Students will benefit from professionals, experts, and organization representatives visiting the school or classroom. They can also benefit from getting out in the community to receive services or volunteer to help others. Partnering with community organizations helps all parties involved.
Connecting with community organization can be challenging, and we must take steps to ensure successful interagency collaboration. We must demonstrate respect for the role and values of the organization with which we are working. Successful community collaboration requires careful planning and flexibility on the part of the school and the community organization. Collaboration with the community is very important to the development of students, families, and the school, and it is well worth the added effort.
by: Ashley Seabrooke