Family Road Map Guide

Focus
The Classroom –
Treatment Connection
Ten Things Teachers Want You to
Know
1. Most teachers aren’t experts in education law. A classroom teacher may not
always understand your child’s rights under IDEA 2004 or be aware of all the
services your child can receive. Start by assuming they want to help, then help
them figure out how to do it.
2. Teachers work for the school system. Like any other employees, they must follow
the school rules and carry out the decisions of their superiors.
3. Teachers want your child to learn and be successful. Sometimes a teacher may
not understand what your child needs. Ask if the teacher would like an article or
fact sheet that describes your child’s disability or offers classroom ideas.
How to Stay in Touch
with Your Child’s or
Youth’s Teacher(s)
At the start of the IEP
period, talk to the teacher
about the best ways to stay
in touch. The method must
fit the child’s or youth’s
age, wishes, and ability to
communicate on his or her
own. These are two common
choices:
• Communications journal:
The parent and teacher
write messages to each
other in a notebook
that the child or youth
carries back and forth
to school each day.
• Daily/Weekly Communications
Sheet: Many
teachers make up a
form with symbols or
check-off boxes to report
behavior and with room
to write comments. At
the bottom, the parent
writes a response, signs
it, and sends it back.
4. Teachers want you to be involved. They need you to help them understand your
child’s behavior. They need you to participate in carrying out behavior plans and
solving problems. Show up for school meetings and volunteer to help, even in
small ways.
5. You will get better attention by respecting the teacher’s time. Find out how and
when the teacher likes to be contacted. Schedule meetings in advance and
show up on time. If possible, let the teacher know what the issues are ahead of
time so he or she can be prepared.
6. Like everybody, teachers can be nervous about change. A teacher may resist a
new method because he or she can’t see how it fits into the routine. Encourage
your IEP team to include any necessary teacher training in your child’s plan.
IDEA 2004 permits this service.
7. Teachers want to hear from you before a small problem becomes a big problem.
Often, a problem can be easy to fix. Send a note or an email. Be polite. Assume
the teacher doesn’t want trouble and would rather keep parents happy.
8. Teachers make mistakes. However, they don’t appreciate being embarrassed
in front of their bosses. Be tactful. Talk to the teacher first before going to a
higher-up.
9. Teachers like to be kept up to date. Let them know about medication changes
and events at home that might affect behavior at school.
10. Teachers like to be praised for their efforts. Write thank-you notes often. Send
holiday cards. Tell the principal or supervisor about the teacher’s good work.
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