Beyond The Printed Page: 5 Ways to Communicate Your Child’s Needs

When it comes to advocating for your child, clear communication with teachers, counselors, and other school personnel is crucial. 

While Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and 504 plans lay the groundwork, there’s much more that can be done beyond the printed page to make sure your child receives the support they need. 

Here are five effective ways to communicate your child’s needs.

1. Build a Collaborative Relationship with Teachers

Establishing a strong, positive relationship with your child’s teachers is foundational. 

Regular communication, whether through emails, phone calls, or in-person meetings, helps you stay informed about your child’s progress and challenges. Approach these interactions as a partnership where you and the teacher are working together toward the same goal: your child’s growth . 

Additionally, work with your child’s case manager to establish a communication plan that works for you both.  

2. Utilize a Communication Notebook 

A communication notebook serves as an effective tool that moves between home and school for the purposes of continuous interaction. 

Teachers can use it to record notes about your child, such as successes, challenges, or behaviors that need attention. On your end, you can contribute by noting observations from home, asking questions, or providing background on any current events in your child’s life. 

This ongoing exchange keeps both you and the educators aligned, allowing for quick responses to any concerns that come up.

3. Schedule Regular Check-Ins 

Beyond the standard parent-teacher conferences, scheduling regular check-ins based on your agreed on communication plan can make a world of difference. 

These can be short, monthly check-ins  where you discuss your child’s progress, review any adjustments to their learning plan, and share feedback. Regular check-ins prevent small issues from snowballing into larger problems and keep everyone proactive rather than reactive.

4. Create a Visual Support System

For many children, especially those with special education needs, visual aids can be incredibly helpful in expressing their needs and understanding expectations. 

Work with your child's teacher to develop a visual support system that can be used both at school and at home. This might include picture schedules, emotion charts, or visual cues for routines. These tools not only help your child communicate more effectively but also provide consistency between home and school, making transitions smoother and reducing anxiety. 

By incorporating visual supports, you can help your child better express themselves and feel more secure in their environment.

5. Empower Your Child to Advocate for Themselves

Support your child in learning to express their needs, preferences, and emotions in a way that is appropriate for their age and developmental level. 

Start with simple steps, such as identifying who they can go to when they need help and where these people are in the building. Gradually, these skills will empower your child to take an active part in their education and boost their confidence in managing their own experiences.

Communication is absolutely essential in making sure your child gets the most out of their education. 

When you go beyond just what's on paper and keep the lines of communication open with teachers and school personnel—and help your child do the same—you’re paving the way for a more positive and rewarding school experience.

About Education Empowerment Partners 

Education Empowerment Partners was founded by Kate Lakowski, a nationally certified school psychologist who is uniquely qualified to help you with your child’s needs. Through a collaborative approach and data-based decision making, Kate will work with your child’s educational team to develop a plan that will help lead to successful outcomes for your child’s educational career and future goals.

For more information, visit educationempowermentpartners.com.