Parents of children with disabilities are more likely to receive better services for their children if they are also involved in their child’s intervention. Their involvement will be even more effective if they are able to develop good relationships with the service providers and professionals working with their children. Listed below are some general steps in order to help parents develop better relationships with professionals.
Tips
1. Set common expectations (between the service provider and yourself) regarding your child’s achievements.
A. Ask your service provider what they expect your child will be able to achieve in the near future (during the time the service provider is working with your child)
b. Inform the service providers of your expectations of your child’s progress for the same period (in a thoughtful and friendly manner).
C. If the two views are different, list and provide to your service providers the different reasons why you have come to your conclusions regarding your child’s progress. Try to be as specific as you can. Then ask her to explain her point of view.
d. Try to summarize the two views and be sure to include the commonalities.
2. Try to demonstrate your appreciation of the service provider’s expertise.
a. Listen when the service provider is explaining your child’s intervention to you.
b. When your child’s service provider has shared some knowledge or made some progress with your child, acknowledge the service provider’s expertise and/or hard work.
c. Try to be respectful of the service provider’s workload and limited time.
3. Be organized and prepared.
a. Keep your child’s records and information all in one place.
b. Do your homework before meetings with your child’s service providers: make a list of your questions and another list of the main things you want to accomplish at the meeting. Share those questions and goals at the beginning of the meeting.
c. Make written records of phone conversations: get the person’s name and direct phone number, write a short summary of the conversation, and indicate the next steps, conclusions, commitments, or other information provided in the phone call. Keep your phone logs with your child’s other records. Similarly, keep e-mails.