It is helpful when the entire school staff is educated and involved in the process to create a successful experience for a student with hearing loss. Teachers, custodians and office personnel want to make school a nurturing and welcoming environment for all students, so the more they know about accommodating a student, the better. It’s a good idea for parents to meet with their child’s teacher before the start of the school year. This is a chance to introduce one another and open the lines of communication.
Before the school year begins, you and your child should meet with the classroom teacher a few times. This will provide an opportunity to discuss previous academic achievements, strengths and needs, as well as information about communication techniques, classroom supports, etc. As children get older, they can take the responsibility to meet with the teacher alone. - Check to make sure that support staff have shown the classroom teacher how to check a hearing aid, use an FM system, order captioned videos and so forth.
All of the staff should be aware of how to best communicate with your child, even though they may interact on a limited basis, such as at assemblies, break time or after-school activities. Classmates need an orientation, too. This can be handled tactfully, giving everyone a sense of participation rather than making it seem like a burden. If your child and the teacher feel comfortable, it is often helpful for the teacher to give a unit on communication awareness, introducing the concept of hearing loss, its effect on communication, and information about exciting technology, such as captioned videos, relay systems and hearing technology. The overall goal for success is to achieve commitment and enthusiasm, emphasizing the fact that good communication techniques will benefit all students, not just the child with a hearing loss. - Throughout the year, provide encouragement to the staff and maintain some "oversight" as the school year progresses.
Remember to work collaboratively with the school staff so that you can ensure the IEP is being followed.
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