2. Parent participation
The involvement of parents in the education of
children with special needs is considered not
only a right, but also a necessary component
of the delivery of effective and efficient
provision
3. Parent participation
Parent participation in the special education
decision-making process is vitally important.
The most important thing parents can do is
ensure they are involved with and take an
active role as a member of the Individual
Education Program (IEP) team that determines
a student's path.
4. Parents May Underestimate Their Importance to the IEP
Team
Despite their importance in education decision
making, parents sometimes feel overwhelmed
by the IEP team process.
They may believe team members perceive
them as less knowledgeable about teaching or
as obstacles to the decision-making process,
especially if they disagree with the educators.
5. Parents Provide Critical Input
Parents and guardians know their children
better than anyone else and have the most
complete understanding of a child's physical,
social, developmental, and family history.
Parents are the only adults in the educational
process who have been and will continue to be
deeply involved throughout the child's school
career; and while they may not be educators
themselves, they bring their years of
experience in other professions and aspects of
life to the process.
6. Parents Work More Closely With
Their Children Than Other Adults
Can
While kids attend school about six hours a day,
they only have a few minutes of teachers'
undivided attention in a class.
Parents have the opportunity to sit side-by-
side with them, working through homework
and other learning activities for extended
periods.
Parents may be the only adults who closely
observe students' work and get feedback from
their children. Consequently, no one else has
the perspective of a parent in a meeting.
7. The Role of the Parent on the IEP
Team
Parents are vital to the IEP team process.
They provide information on the child's
strengths and weaknesses at home,
background information on the child's history
and development, and information on any
family factors that may affect the child's
learning.
8. Parents Provide Comprehensive
Insight for Transition Meetings
Transition meetings are held to discuss
movement from one school level to another,
from one program to another.
Only the parent accompanies the child
throughout these important school and life
transitions. The parents' input at each
transition can ensure that appropriate services
and supports are in place and increase the
chances of the child's success in the new
program.
9. Parents Are the Best Advocates for
Their Child
There is no one as interested in and motivated
to see a child succeed and thrive than her own
parents, and this alone places the parent in a
crucial role on the IEP team.
10. Successful Parenting
Celebrate the Positive
Take Time to Talk and Really Listen
Use Discipline, Not Punishment
Teach Responsibility Constructively
Separate the Child from the Behavior
Actions Speak Louder than Words
Use Natural and Logical Consequences
. Spend Quality Time with Your Child and Leave the Stress of
Work at Work
Give Children Input into the Decisions that Affect Them and
Hold Family Meetings
Be Kind Although Firm and Consistent
11. Parenting Tips for Children with Special
Needs
Stop blaming yourself:
Educate yourself
Try natural methods of treatment first:
Take care of yourself:
Enjoy your child:
12. Disciplining Your Child With Special
Needs
Be Consistent
Learn About Your Child's Condition
Defining Expectations
Use Rewards and Consequences
Use Clear and Simple Messages
Offer Praise
Establish a Routine
Believe in Your Child
Have Confidence in Your Abilities
13.
14. The Impact of Parent
Professional Partnerships
SCHOOL FAMILY
COMMUNITY
15. Profession in Special Education
Special Education Teachers:
Speech-Language Pathologist
Occupational Therapist
Physical Therapist
School Counselor
Assistive Technology Practitioner/Specialist
Teacher Assistant
16. Conclusion:
Teachers who value partnership work to make it happen.
They realise that there is nothing to lose and much to gain by
sharing and collaborating. They learn to listen carefully and
attend courses that enable them to become more effective
communicators.
They value the input of parents and other professionals and
seek to keep the focus on the students and their needs and
strengths.
17. Some parents of children with special needs are
becoming tired about the notion of parent
professional partnership as they do not believe
professionals are open or willing to change.
Partnership between home and school, which impacts
so strongly on the child .