Parents must learn to accept the realities of a child’s disability. This process of acceptance can be lengthy and can impact classroom instruction. It is important for educators to be part of this process and to partner with parents to create high expectations for all students.

This course explores the varying levels of expectations parents may have for their children with disabilities so you can develop positive relationships with parents and work with them to serve children effectively. Along with insights into recognizing parent burnout, you gain coping strategies you can pass on to help parents manage stress plus practical guidance on helping parents fulfill their advocacy responsibilities in IEP meetings.

Chapters

Chapter 1 Parental Expectations and Classroom Practices
Chapter 2 Preventing Burnout: Practical Strategies to Manage Stress
Chapter 3 Tips and Techniques for IEP Meetings

Learning Outcomes

After successfully completing this course, you will be able to:

• Describe the varying levels of expectations parents have for their children with disabilities, and how those expectations impact the classroom.
• Recognize factors leading to parent burnout, and recommend strategies to help reduce stress.
• Identify the advocacy responsibility of parents during IEP meetings, and recognize techniques that support this role.
• Complete chapter assessments with 100 percent mastery and the final assessment with 80 percent mastery.