How to Avoid Special Education Due Process by Building Great Family Relationships

I was a Director of Special Education for 5 years. Over that time, we serviced over 700 students with IEPs. I knew my team and I would never have the time to write an IEP so bulletproof that it would come out unscathed in Due Process. To learn more about what Due Process is and why it's to be avoided, read this blog here.

Therefore our focus was on avoiding Due Process all together by pouring our time and energy into building incredible relationships with our families. Here are some of the techniques I used that were incredibly helpful, and I think you’d find them helpful too :)

Tips for Building Great Parent Relationships

1. Answer the phone

Always answer the phone. Even if you know the parent is mad or frustrated. Answer the phone. This allows parents to feel heard and understood. Do not run from difficult conversations. Answer the phone. There were plenty of times I answered the phone scared of what was coming my way. But each time, it proved best to deal with it straight on. You can do it!

‍

2. Proactive positive communication

Parents LOVE hearing positive things about their child. The joy in their voice when they hear positive news is unmatched and trust is established as they know you see and know their child. This is ESPECIALLY important for children with more difficult needs. Don’t overthink it. The call probably won’t be more than 30 seconds but will have a profound impact.

‍

3. Focus on Family Delight

As Special Educators, we have an incredible and sometimes overwhelming responsibility. It is easy to lose focus on the most important fact: we exist to serve students and their families. Paperwork is not priority, families are. Remind yourself and your team of this mindset. You’d be surprised at how much better your family relationships grow after adopting this mindset.

‍

‍