ADHD at School: How Teachers and Parents Can Work Together for Success
Children with ADHD often face unique challenges in the classroom, including staying focused, managing impulsivity, and organizing tasks. However, with the right support system in place, these students can excel. One of the most crucial aspects of helping children with ADHD succeed in school is collaboration between parents, teachers, and therapists. When all three work together, they create a structured, supportive environment that meets the child's specific needs and helps them thrive academically and socially.
In Alberta, children with ADHD are eligible for specific supports and accommodations under provincial and national policies. This post will explore how parents and teachers can work together to advocate for appropriate classroom accommodations, understand the legal framework in Alberta, and build a strong team to support children with ADHD.
The Importance of Collaboration
Managing ADHD is a team effort. Each member of the child’s support network parents, teachers, and therapists plays an essential role:
Parents have a deep understanding of their child’s specific needs and can advocate for appropriate accommodations at school. They also reinforce these strategies at home to provide consistency.
Teachers are on the front lines in the classroom, where they implement accommodations and ensure the learning environment supports the child's ability to focus and manage ADHD-related behaviors.
Therapists help children develop strategies to manage ADHD symptoms, such as emotional regulation, time management, and attention control. They can collaborate with both parents and teachers to ensure the skills learned in therapy are reinforced in both home and school environments.
When all three groups collaborate, children with ADHD receive consistent support at school, at home, and in therapy. This team approach ensures that the strategies and accommodations are effective, helping the child succeed academically and socially.
ADHD Support in Alberta
In Alberta, students with ADHD can access support through Alberta Education’s Inclusive Education Policy. This policy emphasizes that all students, regardless of their learning needs, deserve an education that is inclusive and supportive. One of the key tools for supporting children with ADHD is the Individualized Program Plan (IPP). This document outlines the specific strategies and accommodations a student requires to succeed.
At the national level, the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms and the Canadian Human Rights Act ensure that children with ADHD are protected from discrimination and have equal access to education. These laws support the right of every student to receive an education that meets their individual needs, including accommodations for ADHD.
Advocating for Appropriate Accommodations
Parents play a key role in ensuring that their child receives the necessary accommodations to succeed in school. ADHD affects each child differently, so it's important to tailor accommodations to their specific challenges and strengths. Here’s how you can work with your child’s school to ensure they get the support they need:
1. Understand the Role of the IPP
An Individualized Program Plan (IPP) is a detailed document that outlines the accommodations, supports, and learning goals for students with ADHD or other learning challenges. In Alberta, IPPs are created in collaboration with parents, teachers, and school support staff, ensuring that the child's unique needs are met in the classroom.
Tip: An IPP is a living document that should be updated regularly based on your child’s progress. Don’t hesitate to request changes if a particular accommodation isn’t working.
2. Schedule a Meeting with the School
The first step in advocating for your child is meeting with their teacher and school administrators to discuss your child’s specific needs. Be prepared to share any relevant documentation from your child’s therapist or doctor, and outline the ways ADHD impacts your child’s learning and behavior.
During this meeting, work together to identify the most effective accommodations for your child. Common accommodations for children with ADHD include:
Preferential seating: Placing the child near the teacher to reduce distractions.
Extended time: Allowing extra time for tests, assignments, or homework.
Frequent breaks: Offering short, structured breaks to help manage restlessness.
Organizational support: Providing tools such as planners, graphic organizers, or visual schedules to help the child manage tasks.
Clear instructions: Ensuring teachers provide clear, step-by-step instructions and check for understanding.
3. Develop and Review the IPP
Once accommodations are identified, work with the school to develop the IPP. This document should include specific, measurable goals for your child, as well as details on how their progress will be monitored. The IPP should be reviewed and adjusted regularly to ensure that it remains effective as your child grows and their needs change.
Tip: Be an active participant in the IPP process. Share your insights into what works well for your child at home and communicate regularly with teachers about how the plan is being implemented in the classroom.
4. Involve Your Child’s Therapist
Your child’s therapist can provide valuable input when creating the IPP. They may recommend specific accommodations or strategies that align with the therapy work your child is doing. In some cases, the therapist may attend school meetings to support the development of the IPP and ensure that it reflects the child’s needs.
Practical Tips for Working with Teachers
Building a strong, collaborative relationship with your child’s teacher is essential. Here are some tips for fostering that relationship:
1. Maintain Regular Communication
Consistent communication between parents and teachers is crucial for addressing challenges as they arise. Set up regular check-ins to discuss your child’s progress and any issues they may be facing. These check-ins can be through emails, phone calls, or in-person meetings.
Tip: Don’t wait until parent-teacher conferences to address concerns. Frequent communication allows for early intervention if problems arise.
2. Share Effective Strategies
You know your child best, so share any strategies or tools that have worked well at home. If your child uses visual schedules, timers, or other supports to stay on task, suggest that the teacher use similar strategies in the classroom. Consistency across different environments will help your child feel more confident and successful.
3. Offer Support, Not Criticism
Approach your child’s teacher as a partner in your child’s education. Teaching a diverse classroom of students with varying needs can be challenging, and not all teachers are experienced with ADHD. Offer support and resources to help the teacher better understand your child’s needs and how to meet them.
4. Celebrate Successes
When your child makes progress whether it’s improved focus, better behavior, or academic success celebrate these wins with their teacher. Acknowledging success reinforces the positive strategies in place and strengthens the parent-teacher relationship.
Supporting Your Child at Home
While teachers provide crucial support during the school day, the work doesn’t end when your child leaves the classroom. Here’s how you can support your child’s success at home:
1. Create Structure and Consistency
Children with ADHD thrive on routine. Establishing a consistent schedule for homework, chores, and bedtime can help your child stay organized and reduce anxiety. Use visual schedules or checklists to keep your child on track.
2. Use Positive Reinforcement
Positive reinforcement is a powerful motivator for children with ADHD. Praise your child’s efforts and reward small successes, whether it’s completing their homework on time or staying focused on a task. Positive reinforcement builds confidence and encourages your child to keep working toward their goals.
3. Communicate with Your Child’s Therapist
Stay in regular contact with your child’s therapist. They can provide insights into your child’s progress and offer strategies for reinforcing what’s being learned in therapy and school. By working together, you can create a consistent, supportive environment for your child.
Building a Supportive Environment for Success
Supporting a child with ADHD requires teamwork between parents, teachers, and therapists. When everyone works together, children with ADHD receive the consistent support they need to manage their symptoms and succeed academically and socially.
Creating a Collaborative Plan for Your Child’s Success
When parents, teachers, and therapists come together, children with ADHD have the best chance of thriving in school and beyond. By working closely with your child’s school to develop and implement an IPP, advocating for the right accommodations, and maintaining open lines of communication, you can help your child reach their full potential.
At Theragen Counselling and Consulting Inc., we specialize in helping children with ADHD develop the skills they need to succeed, both in school and in life. Our ADHD Brain Training Program provides children with practical tools for managing their ADHD symptoms, while also offering support to parents and educators.
If you’d like to learn more about how we can help your child thrive, feel free to contact us today.