The parents of children who’re deaf need to be involved with their child’s education, at home and at school. Parent input to child education is cited by educators as one of the best ways to improve outcomes for all children and notably if other family members are involved.
Statistically, educational attainment rises when parents participate in their children’s educational lives. These benefits include better academic results, more interest in schoolwork and school issues from the students, more school involvement and less trouble-making overall.
Teamwork Is Key
Parents and families with deaf children ideally will work as a team with a primary mentor (a visiting teacher), audiologist, language-teacher, preschool/creche manager, school teacher and/or principal for ongoing monitoring of a child’s progress.
Several reasons define why one particular parent or set of parents participate more in the educational lives of their children than others.
Many factors limit a parent’s involvement in a child’s education. These include the parent’s own school experience, if they feel a school is approachable, how much time their career needs and more.
Either way, parents need to be involved in their child’s education and schooling. This involvement has an immeasurable impact, especially with a child who is deaf and/or has additional teaching needs.
Parents Can Get Involved!
Parents of deaf children can be major change-makers in seeking inclusive education. However, a school might not be as inviting as would be hoped.
Some suggestions for parents to get involved:
- Helping your child with their homework
- Discussing any issues with the teachers
- Offering the teacher information to relate to your child
- Seize opportunities that encourage parent participation at school
- Participating in committees: every little bit helps!
- Plan activities for your child’s friends and their parents
- Accept invitations from the school to get involved in your child’s life
Once a child sees a parent taking an interest in their schooling, they will automatically value their education more, and take greater interest in it.
Parent and family involvement in schooling is vital for any child, and notably for deaf children because ultimately, parents make the major decisions about how a deaf child will be educated and this impacts the child’s whole life.
(compiled by Nicola Fox)
Further Reading
- Creche/Preschool Stage
- Home-Preschool Supports: A Mum’s Positive Story
- The Visiting Teacher Service ‘Is Often Forgotten’
- Including Deaf Children At Preschool – Part One
- Different Mainstreaming Models For Deaf Children
