The Individuals
with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) calls for a team of individuals,
including parents and school personnel, to work together to develop an
Individual Educational Program (IEP) for a child who qualifies for special
education services. IEP decisions are made by a team rather than by any one
individual. Its people, parents and professionals, who come together to
develop an appropriate educational program. The rules of this process are
provided by IDEA, but what happens within those rules is up to the people
building the educational plan. The process requires effective communication
skills, honesty, respect and trust. The special education process requires
people skills for effective educational planning.
What people skills have you
found most helpful in working with your child’s IEP team?
Be respectful and expect respect from others.
ReplyDeleteTreat team members as people-bring food
ReplyDeleteYou need to be able to ask questions when something is not understood. Also, do not be afraid to speak up if you do not agree. Learn to stick up for your child/ren.
ReplyDeleteIf a parent feels they are becoming "out of control", stop before that point and ask for a break or stop the meeting and reschedule. Also IEP teams do love food.
ReplyDeleteI participated in a team meeting recently where we had a 10 minute break when the parent became very frustrated. The meeting went much better after that.
DeleteI am friendly by nature, but I found that didn't necessarily help me. When I learned more about IEP's and the whole process, especially my role in it, I found I could communicate more effectively, have more direct questions to ask and not feel so much like we were just being told what was happening. (I will definately bring food the next time though!! Great idea!) :D
ReplyDeleteStay calm. Remind yourself that everyone there wants what is best for your child, even if it may not always feel that way. Share praise for your child and others who have helped things go well for your child whenever possible. Try to approach things you are not happy with as a problem to be overcome as a team...brainstorm possibilities and be willing to do what you can to help.
ReplyDeleteTell them early and often that you appreciate their decision to make helping children like yours their life's work. That you appreciate that you do not have to bear the burden all alone. Keep the focus on your child and what he or she needs to grow. Be sure to share everything you are providing at home and the community that works with what the school is doing to show you don't expect them to do it all. Earn the respect of the team for your obvious knowledge of, commitment to and love for your child as well as your stability, calm and good ideas. Teachers often expect hell from parents so if you can keep this kind of attitude you can very easily become their favorite and your child will reap the benefits.
ReplyDeleteI found it was helpful to always keep the focus on my child and what was going to enable her to be successful.
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