Students classified as emotionally disturbed can be a particular challenge for teachers, and may face misunderstandings and preconceived notions when they enter a classroom. Use these suggestions to create an information packet to bring educators up to speed and let them know your child has a supportive family eager to help.
1. Choose your battles carefully with my child.
Selecting a couple of areas to focus on will work better than fighting over every misbehavior.
2. My child may seem to be doing things deliberately that are really not under his control. Figuring out what triggers the behavior and changing the circumstances works better than discipline after the misbehavior has occurred.
3. If you can fill out a behavior chart about what you see in the classroom, we will discuss problems and reinforce positive behavior at home. I'll be happy to send in a chart you can use.
4. My child has significant challenges, but she also has many strengths and gifts. Please use these to help her have experiences of success.
5. Please keep the lines of communication open between our home and the school. My child needs all the adults in his life working together.
Emotional Disturbance(pdf)
Source: NICHCY
Emotionally Disturbed Students
Source: Association of Texas Professional Educators
PDFs from UCLA Center for Mental Health in Schools:
Best Practices for Administering Medication in School
Source: Council for Exceptional Children
How to use this material
More teacher information
Five Things Teachers Need to Know
1. Choose your battles carefully with my child.
Selecting a couple of areas to focus on will work better than fighting over every misbehavior.
2. My child may seem to be doing things deliberately that are really not under his control. Figuring out what triggers the behavior and changing the circumstances works better than discipline after the misbehavior has occurred.
3. If you can fill out a behavior chart about what you see in the classroom, we will discuss problems and reinforce positive behavior at home. I'll be happy to send in a chart you can use.
4. My child has significant challenges, but she also has many strengths and gifts. Please use these to help her have experiences of success.
5. Please keep the lines of communication open between our home and the school. My child needs all the adults in his life working together.
Printouts to Share with Teachers
Emotional Disturbance(pdf)
Source: NICHCY
Emotionally Disturbed Students
Source: Association of Texas Professional Educators
PDFs from UCLA Center for Mental Health in Schools:
- Guidebook: Common Psychosocial Problems of School Aged Youth
- Affect and Mood Problems Related to School Aged Youth
Best Practices for Administering Medication in School
Source: Council for Exceptional Children
How to use this material
More teacher information