Collaboration between parents/care providers and the educational system is pivotal for success. Parents are the lifelong advocates and social partners of their children. With parental involvement, everyone benefits and students can achieve their highest potential. Parents are the expert on their child and are able to provide a wealth of information. It is important to build a trusting relationship with families. A phone call or home visit prior to the start of the school year may assist with forming the relationship. Throughout the year, information about areas of success and areas of need should be provided. Every parent wants to hear about their child succeeding. Be sure to have frequent communication about accomplishments.

Use the links below for more tips on working with parents and families:

Building a Relationship with Parents/Families

Assisting Parents/Families To Make Treatment Decisions

This content was written by Easter Seals in collaboration with the AFT.

Easter Seals provides exceptional services, education, outreach, and advocacy so that people living with autism and other disabilities can live, learn, work and play in our communities. For more than 90 years, Easter Seals has been supporting individuals with disabilities and their families live better lives. Easter Seals offers a variety of services to help people with disabilities address life's challenges and achieve personal goals.