ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on some advice and strategies for working in a collaborative way with parents. While the information is applicable to all school settings, it is important to note the special challenges that are created when parents are trying to advocate for their child who needs special educational attention in the school setting. One of the major concerns that parents have when they do not like the treatment their child is receiving is fairness. Proactively communicating with parents before problems persist prevents these defensive feelings. The chapter discusses the importance of collaboration, whether from the perspective of an educator, a parent, or an advocate. It offers some advice that can be presented to all parents from either a teacher or the school administration. The chapter makes one to understand how easy it is to celebrate what parents already do collaboratively and to educate them on the best ways to be a support for their child.
