What kind of communication do you get?

[danikins]

Happy Holidays everyone.

I am checking to see what kind of communication everyone gets who has a child in kindergarten or above>

Dani is in kindergarten this year and I get a weekly note sent via e mail that gives one paragraph stating what they worked on with Dani. Also they give me statistics for how many time outs Dani gets and if they were for non-compliance or agression.
This week, the spec ed teacher is asking if my ex and I would like to still receive this note as it seems repetitive to do. I feel like I am not really getting much input into what Dani is doing anyway. In pre school, I usually got a daily note or every few days. It was great. Now, I feel like the once a week note seems like a burden on the her teacher. I really like Dani's spec Ed teacher, so am not sure how to broach this.

Bascially, wanted to know what all of you are getting for communication.

Kindly,
Kim

[glow=red,2,300]Dani holding one of her first ornaments and sporting a new haircut[/glow]

[Connie]

Collin is in 1st grade and we use a communication notebook for daily things like details about bad behavior, homework, people he played with at recess, good things he did, etc...stuff I can use to talk to him about his day. We also get a copy of his daily behavior chart they use so we can try and pinpoint what may be triggering some behavior issues.

I also us a PB wiki with a few of the teachers. In Collin's IEP it is written I will get daily communication but I'm not a stickler for this because things can get busy and people can forget. If I have any questions I call. Our school is really good about parent involvement, communication, and inclusion.

Connie

[logansmom]

Logan is in Kindergarten. We have a form that's filled out each day. I wrote the initial form, and the special education teacher modified it a bit after the first week or so of school. Usually, multiple people each end up adding a little something (special ed teacher, paraprofessional, classroom teacher, classroom aid, etc.), so I ask for them to initial who helps fill out the form each day. Some days it's just one person (the paraprofessional), but usually two or three different people help fill it out. Sometimes one section of the form isn't filled out, but usually it's filled in completely. On rare occasions, they even write more on the back. Sometimes they also attach extra papers to it to show me the areas where he's having difficulty and ask if I have any suggestions about what might make it easier for Logan.

Here's what's on it:

Date:
Special (art, computer, music, etc.):
Logan really enjoyed:
Today the class worked on:
Logan did really well at:
Logan had difficulties with:
Therapists today:
Questions/Comments/Suggestions/Brainstorms/etc.
Filled out by:

They are very good about filling it out each day. In turn, I take time each evening to write back to them with questions, suggestions, brainstorms, or important information they need to know. On Mondays, I also include a few short sentences about Logan's weekend so they can ask him questions and help him when the class talks about what they did (Logan isn't totally nonverbal, but he mostly talks in one or two word phrases). I know the communication sheet takes time for all of us, but I really think it helps in keeping the communication open.

If you would like for me to scan a copy from a day or two and email it to you, just let me know.

Hope this helps,
Kim, Logan (Ds, 5) and Carson (3)

[meghans_mom]

kindy i got daily or almost daily notes from her aide, and the teacher would add stuff less often. since i saw most of her therapists once or twice a week ( our kindy was 1/2 day so I had her stay late for all her therapies so she wouldnt miss class time\) i rarely got notes from them, we just spoke in person.

first grade, no notes from the aide and notes as needed from the special ed or regular ed teacher in the classroom, atleast twice a week most of the time. spoke with SLT on the phone as needed (rarely, every few weeks) but also saw her every 6 weeks when I would go in to meet with her team.

NEVER heard from her OT or PT which was a very sore point for me!!!

This year the PT is giving me weekly notes (same girl from last year) but the same dopey OT, I get nothing...she's useless in my book. I can't even get the slant board I've been asking for for a year and a half....but thats a whole 'nother story. GRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRr

[Googsmom aka Jennifer]

Mary does not have Ds but does have an IEP. When she was littler i'd get a report almost everyday. Now that she is in High School i get a report every friday from the Spec Ed teacher.

I just wanted to say that is one cute pic and I love her new hair cut

[Jackie]

I think that if the teacher feels her notes are repetitive...you should simply say ..."then please write notes that are NOT repetitive"...LOL

Afterall it its just the "same O same O" day after day...something is very wrong.

Jackie

[liasmom]

Lia has a notebook in her backpack that they write in almost everyday per my request. The reasoning is her behavior is horrid and what she does at school does affect what she gets to do at home-ie, watch TV. Also , she can not always tell me what happens at school. This year is better but a lot of the time I am guessing about what she is telling me. I guess that is the main reason to have a daily note- because she could not in the past tell me what went on at school. Also now she does tell me more but she will lie about whether she was good or not. Nancy

[alisonzmom]

Alison is in kindergarten and I get a daily sheet. Her aide mostly fills it out. It tells how she did with the morning routine,what she did in centers ( math, language, computer, etc.), how well she did ins specials ( art, music, gym ), what therapies she had that day and what was done and how well she cooperated, how she did with bathroom issues ( we're STILL working on the whole potty training business ). There's also an area for me to share any info with the school. Most days there's not much really written in, just the frowny, neutral, happy face circled depending on how well she did.

I insist on daily communication simply because Alison is not the greatest at answering questions about what she's done at school. Ask her what she did at school, she'll tell you she saw friends, at lunch and had snack. Not exactly the kind of info I'm after, KWIM?
I don't think it is unreasonable to ask the teacher/aide to at least send you a weekly update.

And I love Dani's new haircut!!! She is just adorable!

Barb

[steffipoo]

Hi LOVE Danis new haircut too . That picture is priceless. Also Lias mom love the photo you added as well///

I REALLY liked Logans moms ideas about the notes to be sent back n forth. Also the idea about their weekend. I used to always tell Livs teachers n aides what we were going to do or what we did that weekend so Olivia could elaborate about it on Monday at school. Anything to bridge the gap from school to home and kinda tie em all in together. Cani is adorable really love the pic. (((HUGS))) Steff

Plus when your child gets older they can help fill out their communication book. I made a book for Olivia to write in or her aide to help her write anything exciting or new she has learned.

[danikins]

Thank you all,
Once again, you have come to my aid. I will compile the thoughts. Dani's spec ed teacher and I are to chat.

Jackie, had to chuckle at your comment.

Thanks for sharing photos too. I LOVE< LOVE< LOVE seeing everyone's pix. Dani used to love to pose for photo's and now hates it. I guess I take too many.

You are all the best.
Hugs from wintry cold Nebraska.
Kim and Dani