EEC 3403 Letter to Yourself

Dear FutureMe, looking back on everything I've learned throughout this semester, I am very excited as I graduate this summer to put everything I've learned to real-life application. Wherever life takes me, I know I love working with and alongside children and others who love children, whether they be typical or atypical. Each child brings wonderful things to the table, and their families help present that as well. Communicating with families of special needs children is such an important aspect of that child's life. It is so important to collaborate with families as they know their child so well! It can be difficult with bias, judgments, stereotypes, etc. but those cannot get in the way of teaching that child and working with that family. Inadequate communication is an ethical practice when working with families. Communication, as mentioned, is extremely important and vital to a relationship with the family. I will be honest, at first going into this practice, I hadn't really thought of the whole "communicating with families" aspect of working with children. But it makes so much sense and seems so obvious when you think more about it! I just hadn't thought of how important it really was! It's crucial to really get to know each family. Get to know every child and their backgrounds. This will help tremendously with not having judgments on children with different backgrounds for example. If a child doesn't act the way you expect children of that age to act, don't assume they are acting out or not paying attention. It just may be their culture to for example, not look the teacher in the eye. They aren't being rude! Really take time to get to know the child's culture. This cannot be stressed enough! If the child's family is not partaking in discussions for the PTA meeting, it may be their culture to not contribute as they cannot question the teacher. Do not make harsh judgments with families. If a child does not know English very well, let them talk in their first language! Let them observe others! Provide a translator for families if needed. It is so important to always put the family's values and interests first. This will come with getting to know the families. Ask the families questions and actively listen. Never listen passively. The family will pick up on how you are not caring. A family may not be able to make it to a meeting; it is not that they don't care about their child's education. They may in fact, think being at home with the child is more important! Never, ever, assume anything negative about a family or child. They more than likely want what is best for the child! Again, get to know the family. This is your profession-you will work with children and their families.