CLToronto: Parents Inclusive Education Handbook

Description: Community Living Toronto handbook on inclusive education including information on: registering for school, meeting the principal/vice-principal, IPRC and IEP, secondary school, Ontario Student Record (OSR), and community resources.

Quote: Effective Communication

In the Ministry of Education's Shared Solutions Document (see resources below) schools need to promote a positive school climate. Achieving and maintaining a positive school climate requires teamwork from educators, parents and students. Effective communication is the key to building relationships of mutual trust and cooperation. It is critical that you help the educators see your child from your perspective. Understanding each other will help everyone to acknowledge the differing experiences and perspectives as well as the contributions of everyone involved with your child. When everyone acknowledges and respects these perspectives, it is possible to arrive at a shared solution, including an enhanced positive school climate and better relationships.

If the lines of communication are open, you should feel at ease about contacting your child's teacher to discuss progress or concerns that may arise. When people have a comfortable relationship, they are more willing to ask questions, offer opinions and discuss options in an open, honest way. Open dialogue can lead to mutually acceptable solutions. Differences in opinion can represent an opportunity; if everyone responds constructively, creative solutions can be found.

Introduce your child in a positive manner

It is important that you help the school to see the strengths and capabilities of your son or daughter. Focus on what your child can do. Think about the times when your child does NOT need extra help. What are the specific activities, locations, etc. in which he/she is already successful without extra support? What strategies work well to assist your child to learn and to participate? Tell stories about things that your child has learned, what they enjoy doing, what programs they have attended, and what they can do independently. While it is important that you are honest with the school regarding the extra support your child may need to be successful, keep the focus on your child's ability to learn.