Project Direct

Parent FAQs

 

What should I expect with the Consultation Model?
In the direct instruction model, the public school teacher may have worked with your child in the classroom or she may have removed your child from the classroom. In the consultation model, the public school teacher will become a partner with the lead teacher in your child's classroom. The public school itinerant early childhood special education teacher will turn her attention to your child's teacher. She will share information and demonstrate teaching skills to your child's teacher so that she can help your child learn the skills and behaviors that are identified in his IEP.

If your child is on home-based services, the itinerant early childhood special education will focus her attention on demonstrating teaching skills to you and other members of your family so that you can be more effective in helping your child to learn the skills and behaviors that are identified in his IEP.

How will this consultation happen The public school teacher will provide your child's teacher with printed materials, www site resources, and she will show your child's teacher some special techniques to improve her confidence and skills. She will also help your child's teacher to see when and where during your typical day, there might be opportunities for her to work on these skills or behaviors. In order for this to happen, the public school teacher will attempt to schedule times when she can meet with your child's teacher to plan teaching strategies.

If your child is on home-based services, the itinerant early childhood special education has established a schedule for home visits. During these home visits, the itinerant teacher will spend more time helping you learn and practice skills in interacting with your child. She will spend less time working with your 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 your child's preschool teacher is involved with your child for many more hours than the visiting public school teacher, your child is more likely to make progress with her assistance throughout the week. No matter how skilled your public school teacher, she cannot have as much effect on the learning of your child as your child's preschool teacher, particularly if she develops additional skills related to supporting children who are developing differently.

If your child is on home-based services, the itinerant early childhood special education will focus her attention on demonstrating teaching skills to you and other members of your family so that you can be more effective in helping your child to learn the skills and behaviors that are identified in his IEP. Since you are with your child all day, you are in a position to improve your child's development.