It’s October, the kids have settled into their school routines and it’s time for parent-teacher conferences. For many of us, that means squeezing into a chair that’s a little too small, admiring student artwork and hearing about the classroom day-to-day. But what if a concern comes up?
Here are five tips to help you make the most of your time with your child’s teacher:
1. Review Schoolwork
In the first few weeks, kids bring home a flood of forms, schedules and assignments. Take a little time to sort through everything and look over your child’s work. If your child has an IEP, 504 Plan, or Written Education Plan (WEP), review those too. This is also a great moment to update — or start — your School Communication Binder.
2. Prepare Your Questions
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If you already have a concern, conferences are the perfect time to compare notes with the teacher. Because meetings are usually brief, jot down your questions ahead of time. If you have new information (like a doctor’s note or testing results), bring copies to share.
3. Take Notes
Conferences move quickly and it’s easy to feel overloaded. Taking notes helps you remember what was discussed. Ask for copies of important documents such as test scores, progress reports or behavior checklists.
4. Make a Follow-Up Plan
Before you leave, agree on how and when you’ll follow up. For example: “I’m glad we talked about Stephen’s reading — we’re noticing the same concerns at home. When should I expect a progress update?”
Afterward, send a short follow-up email to recap. It not only documents what you agreed on, but also keeps everyone on the same page. For example:
Dear Mr. Jones,
Thank you for meeting with me last night and for sharing your concerns about Stephen’s reading. I’ve scheduled an appointment with his pediatrician and will let you know what we find out about getting an eye exam. I know we agreed to re-check progress in November, but if there’s anything more I can do to help from home, please let me know.
5. Get Support
Learning that your child is struggling can feel overwhelming — but you don’t have to figure it out alone. Our Family Resource Specialist (FRS) Team can help you understand school information, set priorities and make a plan — just ask us!
