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- Periodically Inform Parents of Their Rights
In addition to the initial required review of the parents rights
regarding their child's participation in special education, remind
the parents periodically with articles, pamphlets and information
from parent advocacy groups.
- Respect the Parents' Roles
Foster mutual respect between all members of the IEP team.
- Encourage Participation on the Team
Offer parents ideas on how they may be involved. Include some
tips for meeting preparation in the IEP meeting reminder. Let
parents know some specific topics which will be discussed. Ask
them to think and make notes about what they would like to see
in their child's plan for the next year. Ask them if they need
another copy of their child's current IEP to study prior to the
meeting. Make the parents aware of their right to have anyone
they feel necessary present at the meeting.
- Encourage Participation in the Program
Plan opportunities for families to work with you and with other
families to better the program.
- Invest Time in Planning for Classroom Volunteers
Have a specific plan for the volunteers' duties. Prepare volunteers
ahead of time with classroom rules, confidentiality policies,
class routines, and expectations of service.
- Use a Variety of Parent Involvement Activities
Different families have different interests, schedules, and resources.
What works for one family might not work for another. For some
families involvement may be limited to something they can take
home and complete and return.
- Let Families Choose Ways to Be Involved
Be sure that families understand that their participation in the
classroom is valued. Let families know at enrollment which activities
are required and which are optional.
- Talk with Families about Mutual Expectations
Discuss how you will stay in touch with each other from the very
beginning of the program.
- Be Patient
Parent involvement might be new to your teaching team and families,
and developing new relationships takes time. A strong parent involvement
program might be created by building on small successes over time.
- Focus on Child and Family Strengths and Provide Positive
Feedback
Parents and teachers want reassurance from each other that they
are doing a good job. Emphasize and focus on child and family
strengths.
- Stay in Close Contact
Be sure that a member of the teaching team talks with each child's
parents at least once a week.
- Show Your Appreciation
Let families know that you value their involvement in the classroom.
Publicly thank parents that have made any kind of contribution
to the program. Have a thank you column in the newsletter or on
the bulletin board.
- Try to Involve the Entire Family
Invite parents and grandparents to attend field trips as well
as helping out in the classroom. Arrange for older siblings to
come in to read or work in the classroom. Plan a big sister or
big brother day and have older siblings visit. Have younger siblings
come in during a study of growing and changing or babies.
- Don't Burn Out the Families That Always Participate
Make sure you spread the involvement around. If some families
consistently volunteer or participate let some families that don't,
know about a project or opportunity ahead of time so you can give
them "first crack" at the opportunity. This is the time to let
them know you value their participation, so much, in fact, that
you wanted to let them know first.
Adapted from: Edelman, L. 39 ideas for involving parents in
programs for young children. Handout from workshop.
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