Transition teams should prioritize building strong, reciprocal relationships with families, transforming parent involvement into true collaborative partnerships. This foundation of trust, respect, and shared purpose creates powerful opportunities for students to thrive.
Consider the following questions from the SWIFT Education Center’s Trusting Family Partnerships Resource:
- How are family partnerships defined at our school?
- What roles do family members currently hold at our school?
- Are family partnerships important to student outcomes? Why or why not?
- What are our school’s goals for partnering with family members?
We invite you to consider the following roles for parents during the transition process.
Parents As Transition Team Members
Parents are core members of the case conference committee, particularly for transition planning, impacting their child's education, safety, and future. To truly address student needs, all team members must actively collaborate with families, fostering a foundation of trust built upon consistent, open communication.
Parents Provide a Unique Perspective
Parents provide critical insights into a child's academic, behavioral, and personal needs. Their observations from home and social settings, coupled with understanding the family's values and environment, are essential for supporting the child's development.
Parents Champion Their Child
A parent’s perspective may differ from other team members, and that’s okay. When parents are seen as active team members, they are more likely to share concerns and offer solutions. Parents can continue the momentum towards meeting academic and behavioral goals in the home by reinforcing strategies and services.
Parents are a Second Set of Eyes
Consistent and transparent communication from schools allows parents to effectively monitor their child's progress toward academic and developmental benchmarks. A parent’s valuable feedback, detailing what is working well and what needs revision, enables educational professionals to tailor their strategies effectively.
Center on Community Living and Careers Resources:
The resources below will guide you toward actionable steps and strategies for communication between parents and school staff.
- Effective and Positive Communication Among Parents and Schools
- Effective and Positive Communication Among Parents and Schools (Schematic)
- Effective Communication Main Messages
Bonus Tips:
The virtual Family Employment Awareness Training (FEAT) concludes this week. English language FEAT will take place today, Tuesday, March 4. Spanish language FEAT will take place on Thursday, March 6. To register, visit the English FEAT registration and Spanish FEAT registration webpages.