Don’t Wait for the IEP! 6 Smart Strategies to Engage Families Every Day
If your main touchpoint with families is during annual IEP meetings, you’re missing a big opportunity. Strong school-family relationships can make all the difference in a child’s success and in your job satisfaction as a school therapist or special education teacher.
IEP meetings are essential, but they shouldn’t be the only time we collaborate. Building trust and open communication with families year-round creates better outcomes for students and smoother partnerships all around.
1. Be Proactive, Not Reactive
Don’t wait until there’s a problem to reach out to students’ families.
- Share wins early and often: Did a student try a new AAC button? Master a speech sound? Let parents know!
- Send home a quick update every few weeks: Email, communication log, or even a short video can mean a lot to families.
- Open the door for questions and casual check-ins: Take the time to let families know you are there for them and your student.
When families hear from you regularly, they’re more likely to feel included and empowered.
2. Speak Like a Human, Not a Textbook
Special education can be packed with jargon. While we live in acronyms, families don’t.
- Ditch the alphabet soup. Use plain language that makes sense.
- Avoid sounding clinical or overly formal. Be clear, kind, and conversational.
- If you need to use a term like “articulation disorder,” follow it up with a simple explanation. Some people are too shy to admit they don’t know what a clinical word means, and you can set them at ease by telling them before they have to ask.
You’ll build more trust when families understand what you’re talking about.
3. Find the Communication Style That Works
Some families love emails. Others prefer texts. Some want a phone call, and a few will be thrilled with a handwritten note. Use these tips to build better relationships.
- Ask parents what works best for them. You can’t know what works for families if you don’t ask first!
- Keep it short but meaningful. Not every communication needs to be a dissertation. Short notes with meaningful messages will go a long way.
- If there’s a language barrier, use translation tools or work with bilingual staff. The more clear your message to the family is, the better a relationship you can build.
Meeting families where they are shows respect and helps them stay engaged.
4. Celebrate the Whole Child
It’s easy to focus on deficits, especially when goals and data drive our day. But parents want to know that you see their child as more than a list of delays.
- Share funny moments or things the student enjoys. These personal touches remind families that their child is known and appreciated as a unique individual.
- Highlight social growth, not just academic progress. Let parents and guardians know their child’s friendships, kindness, or teamwork are just as valued as test scores.
- Let families know their child is valued, not just evaluated. A simple compliment or expression of appreciation can go a long way in strengthening trust and partnership.
5. Collaborate, Don’t Just Inform
Families should feel like part of the team, not just recipients of services.
- Ask for their insights: What works at home? What are their concerns? Including their observations can lead to more personalized, effective strategies.
- Offer ideas, but listen too. Showing that you value their voice builds mutual respect.
- Validate their experiences and make space for their voice in goal setting. Even small acknowledgments can go a long way toward creating a collaborative environment.
When collaboration is authentic, trust follows, and families, teachers and students all benefit.
6. Build Community, Not Just Compliance
Relationship-building isn’t just nice—it makes your job easier. When families trust you, they’re more likely to:
- Follow through on home practice. Consistency between home and school accelerates progress.
- Show up to meetings. They’ll feel more invested when they know their presence matters.
- Support school interventions. A shared vision leads to more effective outcomes.
And you’ll feel more connected and appreciated in return!
Let Spotter Staffing Help You Find the Right Fit
Want to work in a school that values strong family partnerships and gives you the time and support to build them? Work with Spotter Staffing! We connect passionate SLPs and special education professionals with in-school opportunities where you can truly make a difference—beyond the IEP meeting.
Reach out today and find your perfect placement!
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