3.07 Child Emotions

1. Consider the range of emotions associated with being the parent of a child with special needs. Describe one of these emotional states and explain how as a teacher you would work with a parent experiencing that emotion.

Anxiety is one emotion that a parent can feel about their child and their success in education when a disability is present, or possibly believed to be present. The first thing that I would do to help a family with this emotion is to open the lines of communication and listen to the family’s concerns, communicate how I would like to address these concerns moving forward, and then set up a parent-teacher conference for 6 weeks out (if a new student), or sooner if needed. Listening to the parent and respond in a way that
Reese is a young girl with cerebral palsy. Her primary means of mobility is a manual wheelchair, though she is also able to take a few independent steps. Reese’s parents have recently separated and are in the process of divorcing. Reese, her mom, and two older siblings have temporarily relocated and are now living in the upstairs of her grandparents’ house. As a result of the move, Reese has transitioned to a new school. Although her mom is generally very involved with her child’s education, there are currently many stressors in her life. Describe at least two stressors, besides divorce, that Reese’s mom might be experiencing and explain how you think they might affect her time and involvement with the
Imagine you are a teacher in Reese’s new school. Describe two ideas you have for building a relationship with Reese’s family and how you would go about making the family feel welcome in your school?

I think one of the main ways I would go about helping Reese’s family feel welcome in the school is by opening up the lines of communication immediately through email, phone, or in person when we do meet. I would reach out as much as possible, schedule meet times around her schedule, and listen to her needs as a parent of Reese. Being communicative will also come into play to possibly help Reese’s mom find resources within their new community to help them with the transition.

Another way that I would work to build a relationship with Reese’s family and help them to feel welcome is to be available to her mother so that I can help in any way possible. If I am able to answer questions within a reasonable amount of time, provide feedback about Reese, and be open to help in different ways, Reese’s mom will feel as though she has a partner in her daughter’s education and someone that she can trust, which is the