Who else in the school and community might be able to provide support and assistance to my students who have disabilities? How do I find these people?
You may become aware of family needs and concerns that other team members may not know about because of your contacts with families. You may be a community member and have knowledge of services and supports to families that are not familiar to other team members. You may also develop a unique relationship with a parent or family member where you are a trusted source for information.
Factual Information
Having an understanding of who does what in your school system and in your community may enhance the support and assistance that is provided to families of students who have disabilities. It is important that you be prepared to collaborate with others to provide appropriate services and make appropriate referrals.
Classroom Activities
No classroom activities are available at this time.
Collaboration
If you become aware of a family or student need, confer with members of the special education department or a social worker to let them know about the need you have identified.
Resources and Links
- Kids Together, Inc. has information and resources for Children and adults with disabilities and a section on Building Community.
- The National Staff Development Council has a section on Family Involvement and the NSDC standard, rationale, and annotated bibliography on partnering with families.
- The National Network of Partnership Schools at Johns Hopkins University has an article by Joyce Epstein: Center on School, Family, and Community Partnerships.
- New Horizons for Learning has an article called From Good to Great: Improving Schools Through Family and Community Partnerships.