TIP of the WEEK: Communication with Schools

Latham-Centers3

As the school year begins you will likely run into some bumps in the road, especially if your child has started a new school where he or she is unfamiliar to the staff. Here are some ways to effectively communicate with your child’s school staff:
1. Don’t assume. Get both sides of the story before getting upset. Our kids can sometimes fabricate stories when they are stressed or anxious. Get all of the information before taking any action.
2. Ask for frequent communication. Whether it be through emails or a communication book. A daily summary of your child’s day is a perfectly acceptable thing to ask for. Ideally you would receive this before your child arrives home so your child knows that everyone is talking to each other and are on the same team.
3. Use the IEP process. If your child needs a special accommodation, add it to the IEP. Schools must follow this by law so be sure to add any necessary accommodations to that document as soon as you see the need.
Keep in mind that there are many children in your child’s school so use effective communication to be sure that he or she has the best and most successful experience possible.

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Patrice Carroll is Latham Centers’ world-renowned Prader-Willi Syndrome specialist. She works with Latham Centers’ residents with PWS, their families and consultants, continuously learning and teaching about PWS best practices. 

 

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