Speaking to Guardians about Screenings

[Laura Hull]

As an assistant teacher, I'm not normally the one to approach parents or guardians about a referral for a developmental screenings for their children. However, were I to be that person, I would likely first broach the subject in-person, rather than through email. I don't think mentioning a referral would be my first step either. I would try to be updating parents routinely about achievements and concerns so that they already have an idea of possible trouble areas for their child. Then, In person during a pick-up time, I would say something like, "I still have some concerns about (child's name)'s development of speech. I think he might really be helped and may start to express himself more if he had some speech therapy. I know of some great local resources, some of which may even be free to you. So I'm going to put together some phone numbers for you and email them to you. What are your thoughts on (child) getting some more assistance in this area?" 


I would want to be aware of the parent's level of involvement with the child's education, the parent's own assessment of the child's needs, and the parent's general attitude toward extra extra screenings, etc.