SAP tip of the month March 2009
Team maintenance concern: parent involvement
with SAP
It is the parents’ right to be involved in the SAP process and to have full access to all school records under applicable state and federal laws and regulations. Involvement of parents in all phases of the student assistance program underscores the parents’ role and responsibility in the decision-making process affecting their childrens’ education and is the key to the successful resolution of problems.
Building successful partnerships with parents
- Educate and inform. Parents should have knowledge of the SAP team prior to their child being referred. For example, send out SAP reminders during the school year to parents, or set up informational tables at back to school nights or during parent-teacher conferences.
- Mention SAP in the student handbook and online (even if it’s only a small blurb). Make it big and make it count.
- Get the team name out at all functions.
Tips for connecting with parents
- Treat parents with respect.
- Actively listen. Respond with empathy. Do not judge.
- Identify family strengths.
- Understand the parent as a person.
- Provide complete and unbiased information. Observable behaviors only!
- Acknowledge and address parents’ concerns.
Thank you!
We would like to recognize all the SAP team members in Bucks County for the hard work, dedication and time they devote to providing the best possible services to youth and their families.
It is a pleasure and honor to work with you each year.
Resiliency: go a little further
When your mind says “I have done all I can for these kids,” but your heart says “tomorrow is a new day”…Go a little further.
When your mind says “There are too many kids who really don’t care,” and “I just don’t have the support I need,” but your heart is still full of determination…Go a little further.
Source: Maggie Dent
Upcoming events
- April 21, 22 & 23 2009
- Secondary SAP training
