Supporting Teachers with Parents of Struggling Students
As early childhood directors and educators, we want all children to feel like they belong and have opportunities to meaningfully contribute to our classroom communities. Pirke Avot 2:5 teaches us, “Do not separate yourself from the community.”
We also know that sometimes we have children who struggle within our schools. Our teachers are often the first to identify these challenges to parents.
As a director, your role will include supporting your teachers as they help parents advocate for their children to receive the services they need and deserve. Your teachers’ first responsibility will be to develop trust in each relationship. And yes, while these conversations are challenging, it all becomes a bit easier when the families know that they can fully place their trust in us.
As schools and families begin to recognize challenges that may need to be addressed, you and your teachers can help the families with their next steps.
Here are a few tips that may be helpful to your teachers in those initial conversations with parents:
- Know that you may be the first person to ever raise a concern with them.
- Share positive experiences early; everyone has things to celebrate.
- State the facts – only the facts (observations from school).
- Inquire about what parents are observing at home.
- Identify and consult with professionals within your school and community (speech therapist, occupational therapist, physical therapist, special educator, social worker).
- Offer to partner with parents and the professionals with whom they are going to engage, providing observations for them to share.
- Recommend they discuss concerns with their pediatrician.
- Connect parents with local school districts for evaluation.
- Partner with parents to consider alternatives, if the child’s needs cannot be met.
Here are some links to articles that may also be helpful for use before, during, and after these conversations:
Resources and Tips for Inclusive Educators
Difficult Parent Conversations: A Guide for Success
8 Tips for Working with Parents of Special Needs Children
Ten Things I Wish Someone Told Me About Parenting a Child with Special Needs
3 Ways Teachers Can Support Special Ed Parents, Like Me
Stop the Car! And Other Thoughts About Special Needs Parenting
Supporting our children and families is an honor, privilege and responsibility that cannot be overlooked. Partnering with families and advocating together makes the process much easier for all.
Rebecca Wanatick, Ed.M.
Manager, Community Inclusion & Program Services
Jewish Federation of Greater MetroWest NJ
February 2020
