DESCRIPTION
This module presents the topic of communicating with parents about concerns regarding young children with potential developmental delays or other disabilities and exceptions.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

  • Recognize the importance of communication as key for fostering collaborative partnerships with parents,
  • Plan the conversation in advance.
  • Describe ways to show your willingness to partner with parents to support their child.
  • Identify active listening skills that display empathy and understanding.

HANDOUT
Talking to Parents About Exceptions Handout

RESOURCES
Books
Keilty, B. & Ryan, S. (2010). The Early Intervention Guidebook for Families and Professionals: Partnering for Success. Teachers College Press.

Roggman, L., Boyce, L., &  Innocenti, M. (2009). Developmental Parenting: A Guide for Early Childhood Practitioners. Brookes Publishing.

Articles
CDC.gov. Tips for Talking with Parents about Developmental Delays. Tips for Talking with Parents (cdc.gov)

Chödrön, G., Barger, B., Pizur-Barnekow, K., Viehweg, S., & Puk-Ament, A. (2021). “Watch Me!” Training Increases Knowledge and Impacts Attitudes Related to Developmental Monitoring and Referral Among Childcare Providers. Maternal & Child Health Journal, 25(6), 980–990. https://doi-org.emil.mlc-wels.edu/10.1007/s10995-020-03097-w

Croft, C. (2010). Talking to Families of Infants and Toddlers about Developmental Delays. YC Young Children, 65(1), 44–46. http://www.jstor.org/stable/42730542

Marshall, J., Coulter, M. L., Gorski, P. A., & Ewing, A. (2016). Parent Recognition and Responses to Developmental Concerns in Young Children. Infants & Young Children, 29(2), 102-115.

Penn State Extension. Talking with Families about Sensitive Topics. Talking with families about sensitive topics (psu.edu)

Robinson, S. (2006). Talking with Families about Things that are Hard for Them to Hear. Kairaranga, 7(1), 17-19.

Videos
CDC Training Module 4: How to Talk with Parents about Their Child’s Development Tips for Talking with Parents (cdc.gov)

Help Me Grow: Conversation Strategies and Preparation. Video | Help Me Grow MN

Help Me Grow: Conversation with Parents. Video | Help Me Grow MN

Virtual Lab School: Promoting Family Engagement: Communicating with Families. Promoting Family Engagement: Communicating With Families | Virtual Lab School

Virtual Lab School: Working with Families of Children with Special Needs. Working With Families of Children With Special Needs | Virtual Lab School

FOR FURTHER STUDY
Martin Luther College Course
SPE1101 Foundations of Special Education