IECSE Teacher FAQ'S
What should I expect with the Consultation Model?
In the direct instruction model, you may have worked with
children in the classroom or may have removed them from the classroom. In the consultation
model, you will become a partner with the lead teacher
in the classroom. You will turn your attention to the child's teacher. You will share
information and demonstrate teaching skills to the child's
teacher so that she can help the child learn the skills and behaviors that are identified
in his IEP.
If the child is on home-based services, you will focus your attention on demonstrating teaching skills to parents and other members of the family so that they can be more effective in helping their children to learn the skills and behaviors that are identified in his IEP.
How will this consultation happen?
You will provide your partner teacher with printed materials, www site
resources, and you will demonstrate for the partner teacher some special techniques
to improve her confidence and skills. You will also help the
child's teacher to see when and where during the typical preschool day, there might
be opportunities for her to work on priority IEP skills or
behaviors. In order for this to happen, you will need to schedule times when you can
meet with the child's teacher to plan teaching strategies.
It is essential that your LEA supervisor support active consultation.
If the child is on home-based services, during home visits you will focus your efforts on helping parents and other members of the family learn and practice skills in interacting with their child. You will spend less time working with the child.
Why is consultation replacing direct teaching?
There is quite a bit of research that suggests that children
learn better when they have an opportunity for instruction and practice throughout
the week instead of just one hour per week as in the
traditional itinerant visiting teacher practice. Since the preschool teacher is involved
with the child for many more hours than you, the child
is more likely to make progress with her assistance throughout the week versus one
hour of direct instruction. No matter how skilled you are, you
cannot have as much effect on the learning of the child as the child's preschool teacher,
particularly if the preschool teacher develops
additional skills related to supporting children who are developing differently.
If the child is on home-based services, you will focus your attention on demonstrating teaching skills to parents and other members of your family so that they can be more effective in helping the child to learn the skills and behaviors that are identified in his IEP. Since parents and other family members are with the child daily, they are in a better position to facilitate improvement in their child's development.