Family involvement is crucial in residential schools, particularly for students with autism, as it significantly enhances the educational and developmental outcomes of these students. Active engagement of family members not only fosters a supportive environment but also bridges the gap between home and school, creating a cohesive and holistic approach to the student’s growth.
At Shrub Oak International School, family involvement is an integral part of our educational philosophy. We recognize that families play a critical role in the success of their children, and we strive to include them in every step of the educational journey. Our comprehensive family involvement approach includes parent trainings, parent support groups, a parent liaison department providing families with a dedicated staff contact, an online parent portal, and continuous communication between families and our multidisciplinary team.
Parent training sessions at Shrub Oak are designed to equip parents with the skills and knowledge necessary to support their children’s development at home. These sessions cover a wide range of topics, including behavior management strategies, communication techniques, and the implementation of individualized education programs (IEPs). By providing parents with in-depth information regarding these topics, we aim to create a consistent and supportive environment that extends beyond the school setting.
In addition to parent trainings, Shrub Oak offers parent support groups that serve as a platform for parents to share their experiences, challenges, and successes. These groups foster a sense of community and provide parents with the opportunity to connect with others who are navigating similar journeys. The collaborative nature of these groups encourages the exchange of ideas and strategies, ultimately enhancing the support network available to each family.
The Parent Liaison Department at Shrub Oak International School serves as the primary point of contact for families, ensuring seamless communication and support throughout their child’s educational journey. Our dedicated liaisons work closely with families to address concerns, provide updates, and facilitate collaboration between parents and the school’s multidisciplinary team. Additionally, Shrub Oak created our Parent Portal, a secure online platform where families can access important information, track their child’s progress, and stay informed about school events and announcements. This comprehensive support system ensures that parents are actively involved and well-informed, fostering a strong partnership between home and school.
Shrub Oak also now features parent testimonial videos on our website, providing firsthand accounts of the transformative experiences and positive outcomes our students and their families have achieved through Shrub Oak International School. These testimonials offer valuable insights into the impact of our programs and the supportive, nurturing environment we foster. By sharing their stories, parents highlight the significant progress their children have made at our school, the collaborative efforts between staff and families, and the comprehensive resources available at Shrub Oak. These videos serve as a powerful testament to the effectiveness of our approach and the profound difference that family involvement and specialized education can make in the lives of students with autism. We hope to continue adding to our testimonial page. Hear what parents have to say here: https://www.shruboak.org/testimonials/
In addition to providing comfort and support for families, family involvement promotes a sense of continuity and stability for students. By maintaining regular communication with the school, parents can stay informed about their child’s progress, participate in decision-making processes, and collaborate with educators to address any challenges that may arise. This collaborative approach ensures that the educational program is tailored to meet the unique needs of each student, providing them with the best possible chance for success.
At Shrub Oak International School, we are committed to fostering a strong partnership with families. Our approach is rooted in the belief that the combined efforts of the school and the family create a powerful support system that maximizes each student’s potential. By offering parent trainings, parent support groups, and ongoing communication, we empower families to take an active role in their child’s education and development.
We firmly believe family involvement is a vital component of the educational experience at residential schools. It enhances the effectiveness of educational programs, supports the holistic development of students, and fosters a collaborative environment that benefits both the students and their families. We recognize the importance of this involvement and are dedicated to providing the resources and support necessary to ensure that families can actively participate in their child’s educational journey at Shrub Oak.
