You are with your child through all their experiences, big and small. You see how they communicate in their most natural environment – at home, with family and friends, during playtime and mealtimes. This gives you incredible insight and puts you in a powerful position to help bridge the gap between the strategies and goals we work on in therapy or at school and how your child communicates in their daily life. Collaborating with speech therapists, teachers and professionals, we create a strong and consistent network of support.

Imagine a winning team where every player knows the game plan and supports each other. That’s what we want for your child’s communication journey!

Wondering how you can be an active player and leader on this team? It starts with communication and collaboration. Don’t hesitate to connect with the professionals working with your child and share what you know and observe. Here are some ways you can have parent SLP collaboration and some examples of how to start those conversations:

Connecting with Your Child’s SLP:

We are here to support you! Please never hesitate to ask questions or share your observations.

Share what you’re seeing at home:

Are they using a new word? Did they try a new sentence structure? Are they having trouble with something specific during homework or playtime? These everyday moments are golden opportunities to see how your child is using their communication skills.
- What you can say: “Hi [SLP’s Name], I wanted to let you know that [Child’s Name] has started saying ‘more juice’ this week instead of just ‘juice.’ We’re so excited!” or “We’ve been working on asking for help at home, but [Child’s Name] seems to get frustrated when they can’t find the words. Do you have any tips?”
Ask about our goals and how you can help:

We have specific goals we’re working on with your child in therapy. Knowing these goals helps you reinforce them at home.
- What you can say: “Could you tell me more about the main goals you’re focusing on with [Child’s Name] right now? What are some simple things we can do at home to practice?” or “I know you’re working on the ‘s’ sound. Are there any specific words or activities we can do at home that would help?”
Request a quick check-in:

Sometimes a short phone call or email is all it takes to share updates and get on the same page.
- What you can say: “Would you have a few minutes for a quick chat this week about [Child’s Name]’s progress?” or “Could I email you a quick question about something we’re seeing at home?”

Collaborating with Your Child’s Teacher:

Teachers spend a large part of the day with your child in a different environment than home or therapy. They can provide valuable insights into how your child is communicating in the classroom.

Share your child’s communication goals:

Let the teacher know what the SLP is working on so they can look for opportunities to support those goals in the classroom.
- What you can say: “Hi [Teacher’s Name], I wanted to introduce myself and let you know that [Child’s Name] receives speech therapy. Their SLP is currently working on [mention 1-2 key goals, e.g., using complete sentences, asking clarifying questions]. We’re hoping to work together to support their progress in class.”
Ask about their communication in the classroom:

How do they interact with peers? Do they participate in group activities? Do they understand instructions?
- What you can say: “I was wondering how [Child’s Name] is doing with their communication in the classroom. Are you noticing them participating in discussions? Do they seem to understand your instructions?”
Share strategies that work at home:

You know what helps your child communicate best. Sharing these strategies can be very helpful for the teacher.
- What you can say: “At home, we’ve found that using [mention a strategy, e.g., visual timers, breaking down instructions] helps [Child’s Name] understand and participate. I don’t know if that would be helpful in the classroom, but I wanted to share.”

Working with Other Professionals:

Your child might be working with other professionals like occupational therapists, physical therapists, or school psychologists. Connecting with everyone ensures a holistic approach to your child’s needs.

Ask about how their goals connect with communication:

Different therapies often have overlapping goals. Understanding these connections can help you reinforce skills across different areas.
- What you can say: “Hi [Professional’s Name], I know you’re working with [Child’s Name] on [mention their area, e.g., fine motor skills, sensory regulation]. I was wondering if you see any connections between their work with you and their communication skills?”
Share information across professionals (with your permission):

With your consent, your child’s SLP can often share information with their teacher and other therapists to ensure everyone is informed and working together effectively.

You are the Center of the Team:

Remember, you are the constant in your child’s life. You are their first teacher and their most consistent advocate. Your involvement, your insights, and your dedication are truly invaluable. By actively communicating and collaborating with your child’s SLP, teacher, and other professionals, you are creating a strong, unified team with your child at the center. Parent SLP collaboration and teamwork is the most powerful tool we have to help your child reach their full communication potential and thrive!

Please feel empowered to reach out, ask questions, and share your experiences. We are all in this together, and with you as the captain, we can achieve great things for your child!

Disclaimer: This article provides general information and suggestions for educational purposes. It is not a substitute for professional diagnosis or treatment from a certified Speech-Language Pathologist. Please consult with a qualified professional if you have specific concerns about your child’s speech and language development.

Resources

For more information check out these resources:

MDS: Helping Children with Social Communication Skills

MDS: Language Regression: What to Do When Your Child Loses Language Skills

First Words Bright Futures Facebook Page

First Words Bright Futures Instagram Page