Collaboration

As an intervention specialist, we are not just working with the students. We are working with families, therapists, gen. ed. teachers, and community resources. Each of these IEP team members has a unique perspective on the child. As intervention specialists, we need to value and utilize each of our colleges’ eclectic skills. Particularly, we need to keep in mind that although we may be experts on child development and learning, the parent is the expert on their child. The parent is the child’s first and most important teacher. As such, they are a valued member of the IEP team. Here are some examples of how I have brought the family into the classroom:

• I co-hosted family nights such as the Family Science Night. In this after-school event, students and their families were invited to explore several scientific concepts through interactive demonstrations. This was a great way to get students excited about science, establish rapport with the families, and to discuss any concerns the parents had about their child’s development.
• At the beginning of the year, I sent home an alphabet letter with each student. The students decorated the letter with their family and brought it back to the classroom. We combined all of the letters to make the classroom alphabet. In this way, each child's family was a part of creating our educational environment. For the next month, the letters sparked quite a few conversations as the students pointed them out to one another.
• Families were encouraged to send in family photos at the beginning of the year to aid with transitioning their young children into the school system.

I also participate in collaboration-based groups. For example, I have acted as book-study facilitator for Ohio Voices for Learning, a Reggio-inspired network of teachers, parents, caregivers, administrators, and early childhood professionals. I am also a member of the Council for Exceptional Children. This allows me to keep up to date on current research pertaining to early childhood education and intervention.