4 steps to a great relationship with the teacher of your child with special needs

Credit: US Army RDECOM on Flickr

Teachers spend a great deal of time with our children and have a significant influence on their development.  Parents of children with special needs tend to have many interactions with their children's teachers. Since teachers play such an important role in children's lives, you want to make sure this is a positive experience for you and your child.  Building a strong relationship with your children's teachers benefits both parties by:

• Enhancing parents' understanding of what and how their children are learning
• Improving teacher's understanding of children's individual needs
• Increasing the flow of information between parents and teachers
• Promoting trust between the parties
• Fostering a "teamwork" attitude between parents and teachers for the benefit of children

Here are 4 tips to get you started.

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1.  Create a communication link

Introduce yourself to your child’s teacher as early in the academic year as possible. After a quick introduction, schedule a time when you can talk to your child’s teacher in more detail. Do not expect to have a long meeting with the teacher right before or after school – respect the teacher’s time and schedule. At the meeting discuss and agree on the best way to communicate with each other. Options include email, face-to-face meetings, phone calls, and a communication notebook that goes back and forth with your child.

2.  Educate the teacher about your child

Credit: US Army RDECOM on Flickr

Just as every child is different so is every child with special needs. Autism, ADHD and other disorders affect children differently.  Therefore, if your child has autism, explain her needs to her teacher, as they may be different from other students with autism. Put together a one-page fact sheet about your child that includes:

• Diagnosis
• Strengths
• Weaknesses
• Past or potential classroom problems and possible solutions
• Triggers for meltdowns and tantrums
• Calming methods
• Learning style
• Your biggest concerns

3.  Be prepared for parent-teacher meetings

Your chances of having a productive parent teacher meeting improve if you spend time preparing for the meeting. View your child’s teacher as your ally – you both want your child to get the most out of school. 

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Make a list of the questions and issues you want to discuss at the meeting and bring it with you. If you are concerned about a particular aspect of your child’s education, bring or write down examples.  For example, if you think your child may have a problem with her handwriting, bring a few pages of her handwriting with you.

Make sure you listen to the points made by your child’s teachers. Take notes at the meeting or write them down immediately afterward when the information is fresh in your mind.  Keep your notes in your child’s file. If you told the teacher you would do something, put a reminder in your phone or diary. If your child’s teacher said he would do something specific, set a date in your diary to check and see if it was done.

4.  Get and stay involved with your child’s class

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Many schools allow parents to help in the classroom or with other class activities. If you can, volunteering in the classroom is a great way for you to learn more about your child’s teacher. If you are unable to help in the classroom, ask your child’s teacher if there is anything you can do at home to help. Here are some ideas:

• Source donations of equipment and/or money for classroom or school supplies
• Type or proofread handouts given out to students or parents
• Recruit other parents for school projects such as plays, science fairs, spelling bees, and art exhibits
• Coach school sports
• Prepare materials for class projects
• Develop or maintain a website for the class or school
• Contact local news media with school updates
• Organize disability awareness day for class or school