Conferences are coming, so here are 4 strategies for families and schools to make conferences positive and productive:

• Get connected - you all care about the child and want what's best for them, though you may define that differently. Conference are a great opportunity to build a common understanding and clarify goals and expectations.

• Get curious  - you may have concerns and exploring them with curiosity, rather than accusation, will go a long way. Try words like "I wonder" and "I'm curious about" and "Tell me more" rather than rushing to prove or refute.

• Get collaborative - if little learners work with therapists, set up collaboration to share strategies and updates and maximize impact

• Get commitment - you are a team, so commit to an action plan for supporting the child. Who will take what action, by when, and how will you communicate about it?

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Rebecca A. Weiner, M.Ed. Is a dynamic educator who is passionate about helping young children with diverse abilities, their families, and their teachers connect, communicate, and learn with confidence. She specializes in play-based enrichment, parent coaching, developmental and inclusion support, and consulting in schools.