talking to a parent

[ixel]

After talking to my supervisor I would ask parents what they think about the child's development, have any written observations ready for them to read that show what the child's teachers see in his/her development. Make sure that parents know what resource is available for them under any circumstance.

[Marta]

I would always be up to date with the family on there progress and be ready with documentation on there child. If something was noticed that needed a professional to work with the child, I would approach the supervisor about the matter. I would also make sure nothing became so alarming, so that it would cause fear or insecurities in the family. I would wait and allow the supervisor to share referrals and explaining the assessment of there child.

[Kale]

I would hope that by the time I would have to have this discussion with family members about their child, that a relationship has already been established between the myself as the provider and the family in questions. I would first talk to my supervisor/director/mentor about the situation to first determine whether or not it is a concern that has to be brought up to the parents. Additionally, I would talk to my co teachers who have also done observations on the child in question. I would ask for their thoughts on the development of the child and then if they also raised concerns, I would work with them with an effective, yet gentle, trusting way to let the families know that developmental screening may be needed.

I would hope that the mentor/supervisor would be present as well in order to answer any questions that the parents may have about the screening process.

[Shannon Lawrence]

I would make sure we had a time to talk that is not being overheard by others. I would hope we have worked well together on communication in the past so they feel comfortable. I would want to be very prepared with documentation, examples of observations, resources, and encouragement. I think it would be helpful to talk to my supervisor and other teachers that have observed this child to be sure my observations are objective.

[Sarahcool28]

be objective and keep documentation of progression or observations that you are able to show the parents. Be sensitive and also acknowlegde the child's areas of strengths as well. Show compassion, caring and concern when speaking with the parent and have a list of helpful resources that the parent can take with them so they know who to contact about the concerns. Also let the parent know that you are bringing these concerns because early intervention and help give the child the best chance to succeed.

[Janice]

Before I approach any parent, I would make sure that I kept a running record of documentation, comparisons in my developmental stages, any "red Flags", take all of this to my director and have a meeting with her as she has many more years of experience. When speaking to the parent, I would have my Director with me so that she could answer any questions that I wouldn't have answers to, be compassionate and ask the parent's if the child has exhibited this at home,giving them a list of resources that they could find further information from and possible testing ensuring that their child had the best to be able to meet their developmental stages.