At Exceptional Lives, we know that legal issues can bring stress to your team. But did you know that building trusting relationships with families can also help protect you from those issues?
When families feel valued as part of their child’s learning team, they’re more likely to mention issues in advance. Real collaboration and trust makes it easier for parents to bring up concerns with teachers and staff, instead of taking legal action. Research from Dr. Karen Mapp shows that this trust leads to better results for students and a better experience for families, staff, and administrators.
While following the rules is essential, building positive relationships with families is your best tool for long-term success in Special Education.
Transcript:
At Exceptional Lives, we understand that schools have to focus on compliance to avoid legal troubles in Special Education. But did you know that building trusting, collaborative relationships with families also helps protect you against compliance and legal troubles?
When families feel like a valued part of the team, they’re more likely to get involved as partners in their child’s education. When there’s real collaboration and mutual trust, parents feel comfortable talking with staff and admin about problems instead of jumping to legal action.
Not only does this work prevent litigation, but, according to Family Engagement research from Dr. Karen Mapp, mutual trust between schools and families leads to better outcomes for students and better experiences for families, staff, and admin.
While a focus on compliance is important, building trusting and collaborative relationships with special education families is your most powerful tool for real, lasting success.
For more resources on how we can help families and schools work together, visit us at exceptionallives.org.
Learn More:
Building Bridges: Why is Family Engagement Important in Special Education?
Building a school climate that welcomes families of children with disabilities
