Prepare to Advocate in 2013

[Guest guest]

Happy New Year!!!

I hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday season with their families!

It’s that time of the year again where we begin to prepare for the last half of the school year. Don’t panic if the first half sailed by and you don’t feel like your child has grown. You still have time to become activated in advocating for your child.

One of the most important things you can do to as you prepare to advocate for your child is to observe them in the school setting. Below are some helpful hints on what to look for when you’re in the classroom. Many of our kids are VERY different between home and school and unless a parent sees for themselves what’s happening in the classroom, they can’t truly offer the feedback and input that your child truly deserves.

For additional assistance in Broward, contact us at FNDBroward.com. If you live outside of Broward, Disability Training and Support Specialists.

Warm regards for a successful second half to the school year!

Stacey

Here are some tips for conducting observations:

· Look at your child’s schedule and decide which time would be most productive. If your child does well during math, but struggles during reading or writing, you might want to schedule a time during the literacy block. This will give you an opportunity to offer input that may assist the teacher during potentially difficult times for your child.

· Be prepared to give your child’s teacher at least 48 hours notice as to when you’d like to visit the classroom.

· When you arrive, try to sit in a location that’s nonintrusive to the children. If the children are grouped at one side of the room, try to sit on the opposite side. Make every attempt to sit facing your child’s back. If your child sees you watching him/her, their behaviors may be altered.

· Be prepared to take notes. During the observation is not the time to point out concerns that may come up.

· Do not engage with the teacher unless she initiates the conversation. You are there to observe his/her interaction with the students and the instruction that your child is receiving.

· Some things to look for:

o Is your child seated in an appropriate location to benefit from instruction?

o Is your child receiving the necessary amount of adult support to be included within the setting and activity?

o Are all assistive devices being utilized (postural supports, graphic organizers, communication devices, pencil grips, technology, etc)?

o Is the room organized and can your child tell what the schedule and expectations are?

o Is your child given opportunities to engage in the lesson?

· Give yourself a few days to think about what you observed, then schedule a time to review your notes with the teacher.

· Thank the teacher for her time and being accommodating to your presence. When meeting with her, find at least two things that were positive about what you observed. You want to keep your relationship with the teacher as positive as possible, while still advocating effectively for your child.

Stacey HoaglundFamily Support SpecialistFamily Network on DisabilitiesP.O. Box 260909Pembroke Pines, FL 33026Phone: Fax: Author: Go for the Goal; A Parent's Guide to Creating Meaningful IEP Goalshttp://www.amazon.com/dp/B0094JEZWW

[Guest guest]

thank you, Stacey, awesome advice! I'll pass it on to everyone I know!

Happy New Year!!!

I hope that everyone had a wonderful holiday season with their families!

It’s that time of the year again where we begin to prepare for the last half of the school year. Don’t panic if the first half sailed by and you don’t feel like your child has grown. You still have time to become activated in advocating for your child.

One of the most important things you can do to as you prepare to advocate for your child is to observe them in the school setting. Below are some helpful hints on what to look for when you’re in the classroom. Many of our kids are VERY different between home and school and unless a parent sees for themselves what’s happening in the classroom, they can’t truly offer the feedback and input that your child truly deserves.

For additional assistance in Broward, contact us at FNDBroward.com. If you live outside of Broward, Disability Training and Support Specialists.

Warm regards for a successful second half to the school year!

Stacey

Here are some tips for conducting observations:

· Look at your child’s schedule and decide which time would be most productive. If your child does well during math, but struggles during reading or writing, you might want to schedule a time during the literacy block. This will give you an opportunity to offer input that may assist the teacher during potentially difficult times for your child.

· Be prepared to give your child’s teacher at least 48 hours notice as to when you’d like to visit the classroom.

· When you arrive, try to sit in a location that’s nonintrusive to the children. If the children are grouped at one side of the room, try to sit on the opposite side. Make every attempt to sit facing your child’s back. If your child sees you watching him/her, their behaviors may be altered.

· Be prepared to take notes. During the observation is not the time to point out concerns that may come up.

· Do not engage with the teacher unless she initiates the conversation. You are there to observe his/her interaction with the students and the instruction that your child is receiving.

· Some things to look for:

o Is your child seated in an appropriate location to benefit from instruction?

o Is your child receiving the necessary amount of adult support to be included within the setting and activity?

o Are all assistive devices being utilized (postural supports, graphic organizers, communication devices, pencil grips, technology, etc)?

o Is the room organized and can your child tell what the schedule and expectations are?

o Is your child given opportunities to engage in the lesson?

· Give yourself a few days to think about what you observed, then schedule a time to review your notes with the teacher.

· Thank the teacher for her time and being accommodating to your presence. When meeting with her, find at least two things that were positive about what you observed. You want to keep your relationship with the teacher as positive as possible, while still advocating effectively for your child.

Stacey HoaglundFamily Support SpecialistFamily Network on DisabilitiesP.O. Box 260909Pembroke Pines, FL 33026Phone: Fax: Author: Go for the Goal; A Parent's Guide to Creating Meaningful IEP Goalshttp://www.amazon.com/dp/B0094JEZWW

[Guest guest]

Great, thanks.

Happy healthy 2013

Stacey HoaglundFamily Support SpecialistFamily Network on DisabilitiesP.O. Box 260909Pembroke Pines, FL 33026Phone: Fax: Author: Go for the Goal; A Parent's Guide to Creating Meaningful IEP Goalshttp://www.amazon.com/dp/B0094JEZWW