Welcome to Unit 6 Communicating and Collaborating: Family Involvemen Nicole McGuire CE240-4

Weekly Reminders Complete Readings Read Web Resources Complete the learning activities Discussion Board: Post detailed responses to discussion question (100 words or more) Share detailed feedback with at least 2 classmates Post response to Seminar Option 2 IF you do not attend seminar Complete Project

Course Outcomes Describe the importance of partnership with the family of a child with special needs Identify strategies for advocacy on behalf of a child with special needs Explain the importance of empowering families of children with special needs Demonstrate how to write a letter of advocacy on behalf of a child with special needs

Empower a family with special needs Public Law (IDEA) clearly defines the rights of children with disabilities and their parents. A basic provision of Public Law (IDEA) is the right of parents to participate in the educational decision-making process. HR 1350 is a proposed change to the existing law

Rights under Public Law (IDEA) The child is entitled to a free, appropriate public education Appropriate means that it meets the unique educational needs of the child. The school must notify the parents if the child needs evaluation or a change in educational placement, or refuses a request for an evaluation or a change in placement. The parent has the right to request an evaluation if they think the child needs special education or related services (Child Development Institute, 2007)

Rights under Public Law (IDEA) The school needs a written parent consent that states the parent understands and agrees in writing to the evaluation and initial special education placement for the child. Parent consent is voluntary and may be withdrawn at any time. Right to obtain an independent evaluation if disagree with the school's evaluation. Right to request a reevaluation if they suspect the child's current educational placement is no longer appropriate. The school must reevaluate the child at least every 3 years, but the child's educational program must be reviewed at least once during each calendar year (Child Development Institute, 2007)

Rights under Public Law (IDEA) The right to request that the child be tested in the natural language An interpreter can be requested for a child that is hearing impaired. The school must communicate with parents in primary language. The parent has the right to review all of the child's records and obtain copies of these records, but the school may charge a reasonable fee for making copies (Child Development Institute, 2007)

Rights under Public Law (IDEA) The right to request a hearing to challenge the questionable information in the child's records. The parent must be fully informed by the school of all the rights provided to parent and child under the law. The parent has the right to participate in the development of the child's Individualized Education Program (IEP) or, in the case of a child under school age, the development of an Individualized Family Service Plan (IFSP).

Rights under Public Law (IDEA) The school must make every possible effort to notify the parent of the IEP or IFSP meeting and arrange it at a time and place agreeable to the parent. The child has the right to be educated in the least restrictive school setting possible. The right to due process (Child Development Institute, 2007).

Role of the Early Childhood Professional Facilitate empowerment for families Respect family choice Appreciate cultural differences Value linguistic differences Communicate effectively with families Recognize you are part of a team to help the child (Allen & Cowdery, 2009).

Advocate for a child or family Recognize that the parent has a long term involvement in the child’s current and future educational processes Understand that parents may be on burn out mode Help parents develop coping strategies Give parents opportunity to share what form of communication works best for them (Allen & Cowdery, 2005).

Advocates for the family and child Stress positives or appreciative comments about the child’s day in front of child and parent Discuss concerns in private Encourage parental observations Encourage involvement in parent support groups Provide home visits and other services as needed (Allen & Cowdery, 2005).

Project for Unit 6- Letter to Parents Using the *Sample Business letter, found at the Writing Center, ss/writing/pdfs/typestools/samples/Samples_of_Forma l_Writing.pdf (page.13; writing a business letter) You are going to write a "letter to parents of a student who has demonstrated signs of a developmental delay”. This letter should professionally share your reasoning, concern, and support for the parents and the child after reading the scenario on the next slide. *Please make sure to use this sample as your guide, in order to follow the directions for a business letter.

Unit 6 Project cont. Joey is a three year old child who has a language delay. He does not pronounce beginning and ending sounds. Some concerns with his speech and language include: articulation, fluency, word finding, expressive language, receptive language and letter recognition. During a recent observation, there also seemed to be delays in Joey’s behaviors; social maturity, frustration tolerance, and interaction with peers.

References Allen, E.K., Cowdery, G.E. (2009). The Exceptional Child: inclusion in early childhood education. United States of America: Thompson Delmar Learning Child Development Institute. (2007) Rights and Responsibilities of Parents of Children With Disabilities. Retrieved May 11, 2008 from website link in unit 6 in CE240: Caring for Infants and Toddlers with Special Needs by Kaplan University.