Hello Parenting REdefined Community,

As fall parent-teacher conferences approach, it’s a perfect opportunity to connect with your child and their teacher to discuss their growth—academically, socially, and emotionally. These meetings can give you valuable insights into your child's development and help set goals for the rest of the school year.

My Recommendations:

A) Talk with your child before the meeting to ask for their input, even if your child is invited to the meeting. Your child’s answers to these questions will help guide your conversation at the conference.

Do you have any questions you want me to ask your teacher?
What do you enjoy the most in the classroom?
If you could change one thing about what you do in the classroom, what would that be?
Is recess something you look forward to?
If you could change one thing about recess, what would that be?
Who do you feel comfortable talking to about your feelings or challenges while at school?

B) Discuss social skills development with your teacher. Use my free “The Parent Toolkit – Parent Teacher Conference Guide” at your meeting. It is a print and use guide to help you discuss social skills development.

Download at https://www.norikoabenojar.com/free-guide-parent-teacher-conference

IEP/504 Accommodaiton Plan

If your child has an IEP or 504 Accommodation Plan, use this time for a quick check in to make sure the supports and accommodations are actually being implemented AND that the goals are still appropriate. Student’s needs can change quickly and we must be on or ahead of the game. You will not have enough time to discuss in depth, but the discussion might alert you to call a meeting with the IEP/504 team.

Through SCLC and previously as a school social worker, I have worked with many students with IEP/504 plan. When the annual meeting is in the winter or spring, it is especially important to do a check-in in the fall. You don’t want to wait to discuss in the spring, only to find out that your child was not receiving the appropriate support throughout the year.

REMEMBER: Social and emotional needs should be addressed just as much as academic needs. Difficulties in these areas can affect student’s ability to access their education.