Communication between parents, teachers, and support staff is essential when addressing a child’s behaviors because it helps create consistency, understanding, and teamwork. When everyone shares information openly, the child receives the same messages, expectations, and supports across home and school settings. This consistency helps the child feel more secure and learn positive behaviors more effectively.
Good communication also allows parents and educators to identify patterns and triggers for behaviors, celebrate progress, and adjust strategies when needed. Parents can share what works at home, while teachers and support staff can explain what supports are successful at school. Working together builds trust, strengthens relationships, and ensures that all adults are united in helping the child succeed both behaviorally and emotionally.
Understanding the IEP (Individualized Education Program) is important because it helps parents, teachers, and support staff work together to meet a child’s unique learning and behavioral needs. The IEP is a legal document that outlines the child’s goals, accommodations, services, and supports designed to help them succeed at school.
When parents understand the IEP, they can better advocate for their child and ensure the plan is being followed. It also helps them support learning and behavior strategies at home in ways that align with what’s happening at school. For teachers and staff, knowing the IEP ensures they provide the right accommodations, monitor progress toward goals, and use consistent strategies.
Overall, understanding the IEP promotes teamwork, accountability, and consistency—key ingredients for helping children with disabilities reach their full potential.
It’s important for parents to understand the Functional Behavior Assessment (FBA) because it helps them learn why their child behaves in certain ways. The FBA looks at what happens before, during, and after a behavior to find the reasons behind it—such as avoiding a task, seeking attention, or expressing frustration.
When parents understand the FBA, they can work with teachers and support staff to use consistent strategies at home and school. This teamwork helps address the root cause of the behavior, rather than just reacting to it. It also empowers parents to support positive behavior changes, celebrate progress, and better advocate for their child’s needs.
In short, understanding the FBA gives parents valuable insight into their child’s behavior and helps create a consistent, supportive plan for success.
