How to Build Strong Communication with Your Child's School
- Staci Benoit-Grice
- Aug 6
- 3 min read
A new school year is an exciting time, but it can also be a little nerve-wracking, especially when your child has special needs. One of the most important things you can do to ensure a successful year is to build a strong, positive relationship with your child's teachers and school staff. Effective communication is the foundation of this partnership. Here are some tips to help you get started.
Before the School Year Starts
The best time to start communicating is before the first day of school.
Introduce Yourself: If possible, reach out to your child's teacher and the special education team a week or two before school begins. This shows you're engaged and gives them a heads-up.
Share a "Snapshot": Write a brief, one-page summary about your child. Include their strengths, what they love, and what motivates them. Also, mention any challenges they face and strategies that have worked for your child in the past. This isn't a replacement for the IEP, but it provides a personal, quick-to-read overview.
Clarify Communication Preferences: Ask the teacher how they prefer to communicate. Is it through email, a communication notebook, or a specific app? Knowing their preferred method will ensure your messages are seen.
During the School Year
Once the school year is underway, maintaining consistent communication is key.
Establish a Routine: If appropriate, set up a simple daily or weekly communication system. A communication notebook that travels in the backpack is a great tool for a quick note from the teacher about the day's highlights or any concerns.
Be Proactive, Not Just Reactive: Don't wait for a problem to arise before you reach out. Send a positive email to the teacher when you hear something good about your child's day. A quick "thank you for helping John with his reading today" goes a long way.
Ask Specific Questions: Instead of asking, "How was their day?", try asking more specific questions. For example:
"Did Sarah use her visual schedule today?"
"How did the new seating arrangement work out for Alex?"
Schedule Check-Ins: Request to schedule a brief meeting or phone call to check in, especially at the beginning of a new grading period. This is a great time to discuss progress and make sure everyone is on the same page.
Tips for Effective Communication
When you're communicating with the school, remember these key points:
Stay Positive: Start with a positive comment before discussing a concern. For example, "We love how much Emily enjoys the new art class. We did want to ask about..."
Be a Partner, Not an Adversary: Remember that you and the school have the same goal: your child's success. Approach conversations as a team, and you'll get better results.
Keep a Record: Document your communication. Keep a file with dates, names, and a brief summary of what was discussed. This can be helpful to refer back to later.
Know the Right Person: If a concern arises, start with the person closest to the situation, usually the classroom teacher or paraprofessional. If you don't get a resolution, you can then move up the chain of command to the case manager, and then to the principal.
Building a strong, communicative relationship with your child's school takes effort, but it is one of the best investments you can make in their education. By being proactive, positive, and clear in your communication, you can help ensure your child has a wonderful and successful school year.
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