Communication Log

This has been a vital part of Michael’s educational experience.  A binder goes back and forth between home and school and it is customized to the things in Mikey’s IEP and Behavior Support Plan. My Tuesday’s Timely Tip is to request a communication log for the upcoming school year, if you do not already have one in place.

When he was young, the communication log would give me a summary of what Mikey did each period of the school day.  During PT, the physical therapist would write notes on what he did that session.  During recess, his behavior therapist might let me know a game he played or if he took a walk and got some sunshine.  This allowed me to check to make sure that the IEP goals and objectives were being met.

In addition, much like Mikey’s daily journal, it allowed him to share a bit of his day with us at home.  Often, the bottom of the school section would have something like, “Highlight of the day” where a teacher or behavior therapist could write something fun that happened that day. Sometimes, Mikey’s teachers would share photos with us of fun school moments…just the best!

Vice Versa

The communication log also has a space for notes from home, which your child’s aide can read as soon as your child gets to school.  This is helpful so the school staff know any relevant information from home.  You might include a note if your child didn’t sleep well or refused to wear their coat.  You might note that they did not eat much breakfast or that you sent in a replacement change of clothes to be put in their locker.  You get the idea…just the basics that your child would not be able to share on their own.

Reach Out

Let me know if you’d like to see examples of some of Mikey’s communication log pages. Include the age range you’re looking for and I can post them in the comments section.