Communication
A successful sharing of ideas and feelings
The exchange of information
Preparing to share your High Expectations
We all want our children to succeed, so we should be involved in their education. You may feel unsure about meeting with teachers and the IFSP/IEP teams. But being prepared and knowing what you want to share and the questions you want to ask will help. Keep in mind that you will hear information about your child, so be ready to listen, take notes, and ask questions.
As a parent, you are part of the team. You know your child better than anyone else. You are their voice in early childhood and education. It is important to share information about your child and your expectations. This helps everyone stay on the same page and work towards the same goals.
Additional Resources
Sharing Your Goals and Expectations for Your Child is a step-by-step guide to help families prepare for meetings by organizing their thoughts and thinking about the next steps.
All About My Child from the National Center for Pyramid Model Innovations. This document is designed to be used to share information about your child. Families can complete this document and give it to professionals to jumpstart expectations conversations.
Communicating your Expectations to the IFSP/IEP Team
It is important to have open communication about your expectations with the professionals who work closely with your child. This communication will make sure that they understand your child’s individual needs and your expectations. When we keep high expectations and long-term goals in mind, we are more likely to continue working to accomplish them.
Your expectations will guide your decisions about your child’s services and education. Remember, you are building a foundation for your child to achieve their long-term expectations. Think of the goals and services as the building blocks of your child’s future.
As you review your child’s IFSP/IEP goals, ask yourself:
- Do the goals that are being set for my child build on current goals?
- Do I understand the purpose of each goal and how it is helping my child?
- What else could help my child?
- Are the goals being set for my child, bringing him/her closer to the long-term goal?
If the answers to the questions above are unclear, it is important to ask the team to explain. Your input is valuable, so share your thoughts on what you believe would help your child. Research shows that when you and your practitioner work together, you will be able to support your child in new ways. This will lead to improved learning outcomes for your child and an increase in your confidence and ability to help your child develop and grow. (Pacer Center, 2018)
Link to: Family Perspectives on High Expectations Module
Additional Resources
Parent Voices: Why High Expectations Matter features family members discussing the importance of education and how they support their students in school.
Supporting Parent Participation in the IFSP or IEP Process from the PACER’s National Parent Center. The importance of active family participation in the meetings. And the effects it is likely to have on your child’s progress.
Next Topic: High Expectations reflected in your child’s IFSP/IEP
Hello, I am so happy you are visiting the Early Childhood Insights blog! I would like to tell you a bit about me – I am a mother to two grown boys and a grama. I have worked in the classroom and as a special education advocate helping families. I enjoy helping families navigate their children’s educational journey. I have personally experienced the journey of special education with my son. I could have done more to help him earlier if I had known more. My passion is to introduce families to topics early on and prompt them to ask questions to those working with their child. I encourage and support them to be an informed parent. Information is power and you are your child’s best advocate. Please feel free to ask me any questions you may have.
Marcie Beers
Project Manager, Early Childhood Center IIDC
Mother, Special Education Advocate
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