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IDEAS FOR BUILDING RELATIONSHIPS WITH PROFESSIONALS |
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- Try to find at least one thing you can like about them even if it is only the way they part their hair.
- Ask for test scores, evaluations and other information before all meetings so all of the participants have the same information.
- Don’t make life-changing decisions when you are upset.
- Understand that even the best plans may be difficult for teachers to carry out. Give them time and support they need to do the job. Be Patient!
- Be respectful of differences (racial, cultural, religious etc.).
- Don’t take what a professional says too personal. Remember they are human too!
- Bring someone to meetings with you for support and let the team know whom you are bringing.
- Don’t gossip about other families or students with your child’s teacher. Teachers may think you are talking about them to other families and they may be right.
- Start working on the relationship before trouble starts.
- Treat your child’s teacher how you would like to be treated if the roles were reversed. Would you want to be yelled at?
- Make sure you are a real team player. Go to the meeting on time. Share your concerns and ideas. Listen to what other team members say. Don’t let your feelings about past negative experiences cloud your judgment.
- Try to meet where everyone feels comfortable.
- Make sure your child’s teacher knows all the phone numbers where you can be reached. Let them know you trust them with this information.
- Ask for information and explanations of terms, procedures, and practices that you may not understand. Professionals often forget you don’t live in “Professional /Educator Land”.
- Remember that the whole IEP process is designed to improve learning for your child. Try to put your personal problems on the back burner. Or better yet, try to have such a good relationship with the other members of your child’s IEP team that you feel comfortable enough to let them know when you are experiencing problems in your life.
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