Knowing your rights and responsibilities is an important step toward obtaining appropriate  programs and services for your child. You need to be able to communicate effectively with others responsible for providing your child's program.  It is important to remember to do the following:                                                                                 

Express facts about your child’s needs and express feelings and opinions regarding your child’s program while maintaining your right and responsibility to be a part of the decision-making team. The following are suggestions for effective communication:            

Be direct - Direct your comments to the person for whom the message is intended.  Be open and honest in making your comments, stating what you feel and think.

Be willing to compromise - You can be assertive and, at the same time, demonstrate a willingness to negotiate compromise, provided that the compromise is in the best interest of your child.

Be confident - Make requests without feeling guilty or intimidated.

Be involved - Ask questions about things you don’t understand. Rather than simply waiting for things to happen, attempt to make them happen. Participate in discussions about your child’s needs.

Be respectful - It is important to treat others with respect - as you expect to be treated.  Maintain your self respect by attempting  to cope with feelings of anxiety or anger without letting them get the best of you.

Be prepared - Prepare a list of questions to be answered at the meeting and be certain that related papers or documents are handy.

Be willing to accept assistance - Take someone with you to the conference because “extra ears” can be helpful in remembering details later.

Be willing to follow up - Write a letter to the school confirming your understanding of the points stated at the conference

Adapted from In*Source Parent Manual