 Talking to Doctors about Educational Options for Children with Special Needs Mary (Mollie) Sheppard Rowan University DEC 2014

What is a team?  A trans-disciplinary team was identified by Bruder (2010) as being most efficient for early childhood education and was defined as one that “integrates a child’s developmental needs across the major developmental domains during the design of interventions” (p. 7). The goal of such a team is to, “pool and integrate the expertise of the team members so that more efficient and comprehensive assessment and intervention services may be provided” (Bruder, 2010, p. 7).  Bruder, M.B. (2010). Early childhood intervention: A promise to children and families for their future. Exceptional Children, 76 (3),

Who is on the team?  IDEA requirements  Differences between ECSE and SE  Incorporating non-school personnel  Physicians  Advocates  State Office of Developmental Disability

What do effective teams do?  Communicate  Collaborate  Have a shared vision for you and your child  Support the family  Have clear roles and responsibilities

How do teams communicate?  Phone calls   Notebook  Meetings  What about non-school personnel?

The role of the Physician  Making a referral or diagnosis  Advising the family about the disability  Knowledge of community supports  Prescribing medicine  On-going care (lifespan view)

Why include your Physician in the School team?  Increased communication about medication  Connection between Dr. and school nurse or teacher regarding medical issues (feeding etc.)  On-going support for families from a non-school professional  Continuity among team members= better outcomes  What does the research say?

Challenges to Collaboration  TIME  HIPPA  Difficulty communicating via  Different language (ED v. Medical)  Language (Non-English speakers)

More Challenges  Medical Training  Does not necessarily include special education law  Does not necessarily include special education methodology  General Pediatricians v. Developmental Pediatricians  GP you see every year (or more)- DP maybe every year.

What can parents do?  Ask what your Dr.’s experience has been with children with special needs (specifically special education).  Articulate your desire to include the Physician to both your Dr. and the school team. Sign necessary HIPPA forms to allow communication.  Determine the best way for communication.  Suggestions?

Focus Question 1  What role would you like your physician to take on your child’s team?

Focus Question 2  What would you like your physician to know about working with parents of children with disabilities?