Developing a Good Relationship between Home and School

In my experience successful education for a child on the autism spectrum starts with a positive working relationship between home and school. One of the biggest challenges for parents/carers and teachers is to develop an effective relationship. It is in the interest of everyone involved child, staff and families that we create a positive partnership. This is created by:

Team Work

1. Team work is the key to achieving desired outcomes. We are all on the same side. We all have the best interest of the child at heart. When we have the attitude that we are all on the same team, the child’s team we view everything differently.
2. Share information, brainstorm ideas and learn together.
3. Ask questions. You should never be ashamed to ask questions – we are all there to help the child through life.
4. Brain storm ideas. Remember not every strategy works for every child so it is good to have a few ideas to try.
5. Keep it real. Be brave and honest about the child and their requirements.
6. Remember the child may act differently at home and at school.
7. Respect each other! Be appreciative of each other’s efforts.
8. Ensure the child and family develop a good relationship with the Principal. An informed Principal can support staff, student and families. They can be a good mediator when issues arise at school and find resolutions whether it is funding, behaviour or breakdown in communication. Principals tend to be constant in schools, whereas teachers can change each year. When the Principal is on side everything else will flow. Remember, usually on a bad day the child gets sent up to the Principal who needs to understand the child for this to be an effective strategy

Meetings

9. Start meetings with the positives. It is always nice to discuss which strategies are working and then look at the challenges.
10. Ensure you have regular meetings so you don’t end up having meetings only when there is an issue.
11. Ensure ALL key people are at meetings – teacher, teacher assistants, specialists, parents, caregivers.

Goals

12. Work towards common goals: write them down so everyone remembers.
13. Limit the number of goals. Especially in the Early Years (0-6), often it is best to focus on two goals at a time.
14. Make sure the goals are clear and everyone knows the strategies to be used.

Communication

15. Communicate, have a clear system in place whether it is communication book, email, text, phone calls.
16. Be honest, open, non-judgmental, make no assumptions. Where possible, ensure all communication is concise and to the point.
17. Ensure other professionals (Occupational Therapist, Psychologist, Speech Therapists) who are involved with the child communicate with the school (email, phone call, copies of reports). Asking therapists to visit your school can be invaluable for everyone involved.