Why This Conversation Matters
A new teacher will meet your child alongside twenty other students, in a busy first week, with limited information. What they know about your child in those early days often comes down to what you tell them.
You are not asking for special treatment. You are handing over a shortcut so your child does not have to spend the first month being misunderstood.
Reach Out Before the First Day
If you can, connect before school starts or in the first week. A short email is enough. Teachers are stretched thin, so brief and specific beats long and detailed.
Something as simple as: “Hi, I am Maya’s mom. I would love to share a few things that help her have a good day. Is there a good time for a quick call or a short note?”
Lead With Who Your Child Is
Start with the person, not the diagnosis. Tell the teacher what your child loves, what makes them laugh, what they are proud of.
This does two things. It gives the teacher an instant way to connect with your child, and it frames the rest of the conversation around a whole kid rather than a list of challenges.
Share What Helps, Not Just What Is Hard
Most parents are used to explaining difficulties. Strategies are more useful.
Instead of “he gets upset during transitions,” try “he does much better with a two minute warning before switching activities.”
Instead of “she shuts down when she is overwhelmed,” try “when she goes quiet, that usually means she needs a short break. A trip to get water resets her.”
Give the teacher something to do, not just something to worry about.
Be Specific About Communication
Explain how your child communicates and how they understand others. This is often the single most useful thing you can share.
Cover things like:
- Whether your child uses speech, a device, gestures, or a mix
- How long they need to process a question before answering
- Whether they respond better to fewer words
- Whether visuals help
- How they ask for help, and whether they will ask at all
Explain Behavior as Communication
If your child has behaviors that might be misread, name them ahead of time and explain what they mean.
Hand flapping might mean excitement. Putting their head down might mean the room is too loud. Walking away might mean they need a minute, not that they are being disrespectful.
When teachers understand the why, they respond very differently.
Offer a One Page Snapshot
A single page is easier to use than a long conversation the teacher will not remember in October. Keep it to:
- A photo and your child’s name
- Three things they love
- How they communicate best
- What helps them regulate
- Common triggers
- What a hard moment looks like and what helps
- Your contact info and the best way to reach you
Keep it warm and readable. This is not a clinical document.
Keep the Door Open
Ask how the teacher prefers to communicate and how often. A weekly note, a shared log, or an email when something notable happens. Then keep it going.
Also ask what is working in the classroom. Teachers often see strengths at school that do not show up at home, and that information is valuable to you and to your child’s therapy team.
How In-Home ABA Fits In
In-home ABA therapy focuses on the skills your child uses in daily life, and many of those skills carry directly into the classroom. Following directions, asking for help, waiting, handling transitions, and managing frustration all start at home.
Your BCBA can help you prepare for teacher conversations, put together a snapshot document, and align home goals with what your child is working on at school. When everyone is pulling in the same direction, progress is steadier.
You Are the Expert
No one knows your child better than you do. Sharing that knowledge early, clearly, and generously gives your child the best possible start to the year.
Alora Behavioral Health provides in-home ABA therapy for families across Denver and Colorado, Southern California, and Phoenix and Arizona. Visit alorabh.com to learn more.