Special Education for Beginners | Managing Paraprofessionals, Special Education Strategies, First Year Sped Teachers, Special

Today we're talking about a crucial element that can really make or break the success of our students—supporting their parents. These parents are juggling so much—all while trying to figure out how to best support their child at home. 

In this episode, I’ll be sharing practical tips on how to foster better relationships with your parents. Plus, I’ll introduce a powerful resource I’ve created to streamline the whole process for you: the Parent Handbook for Special Education.

Highlights from the episode:

  • Clear and Consistent Communication: Regular check-ins can help parents feel more included and share valuable insights with you that impact your daily teaching.
  • Empowering Parents: Simple ways to explain the special education process, accommodations, and strategies to help parents feel confident and informed.
  • Cultural Responsiveness: Being inclusive and culturally aware when communicating with families
  • Parent Input Matters: Give parents ample time and space to reflect on their child's needs before IEP meetings, and how the Parent Handbook for Special Education provides them with a structured way to share valuable insights about their child’s strengths, interests, and goals.

Conclusion: By following these tips—establishing regular communication, empowering parents with information, being culturally responsive, and creating real opportunities for their input—you’ll build stronger partnerships with the families you work with, ultimately creating the best environment for your students to succeed.

Links from the episode:

  • Parent Handbook for Special Education (English/Spanish): Help parents feel empowered to collaborate with you.
  • Awareness Resources for Parents & Teachers:
    • Dysgraphia Awareness Resource
    • Echolalia Awareness Resource
    • Dyslexia Awareness Resource
    • ADHD Awareness Resource 
    • Autism Awareness Resource 

Writing individual impact statements based on a student’s unique disability  and needs can be a big struggle AND a big time suck.! And in case you haven't noticed...extra time is not something you have a lot of.

My
IEP Impact Statements Growing Bundle will give you  the resources you need to make writing impact statements a breeze.  

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