Building Parent-Professional Partnerships

Partnering with schools: an example of collaboration

The kind of partnering that happens with schools is typical of other partnerships you may form between your family and other professionals. When working with a system, how and with whom a partnership begins may not be a choice. A partnership with your child’s school means beginning with the teacher.

In special education, teachers and professionals working with your child will already be assigned to your child’s Individual Education Plan (IEP) team. One way to jump start a parent/ school partnership is to ask the teacher to create a “learning partnership” for your child. A learning partnership can be described as an exchange of information to be used as the plan for your child is developed. Telling the teacher and other members of the education team about your child is a valuable first step.

Share your child’s learning style (visual, auditory, hands on, etc.). Ask the teacher how you can help your child be successful in the classroom. A dependable communication channel between school and home is important. One example of home and school dialogue is a “traveling log book” that moves between school and home on a daily basis. Using the book as a journal, the teacher notes how the day went, what assignments may be needed, etc. You then know what is expected and how your child is doing on a regular basis. In turn, you can keep the teacher informed about details and happenings in your child’s home life. E-mail is another way to communicate on a regular basis. Ask which works best for your team. A full circle of communication is important. Ask other teachers who work with your child, or the IEP team members to sign on to the partnership by agreeing to share information, ideas and to brainstorm solutions to issues as they arise.

As the parent, you may want to begin this discussion with the staff. Not all teachers have received instruction in working collaboratively. You may want to share this information and CD with them.

If, as you progress, problems arise you may want to utilize the techniques demonstrated in the In the Driver’s Seat video as well as the negotiation tips contained in this CD.

Also, if issues do get tough, being able to rely on a good partnership helps weather any difficult situations. Always strive for a “win/win” situation If during a dispute both parent and professional reach for the middle ground, a partnership will continue and become stronger.

If your partnership is with professionals outside the educational system, you will have much more choice in selecting team members. Since you have the freedom to choose doctors, service provider agencies and service provider staff within agencies, you have more say about with whom to partner. This choice allows you to put together a team that you feel will be most effective. As with all group partnerships, they begin with one person, one relationship at a time. You may want to ask the lead person working with your child (care coordinator/case manager) to partner with you. After the initial person is selected, you can decide who else should be involved in your partnership.

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