Hello. I'm a pregnant woman currently going to college for early childhood education. I'm taking a course on exceptional learners and I have an assignment where I need some responses to some questions to a parent about life with a child between the age of 3 and 8 and that has a disability. The child also must be receiving a special education plan at school( an IEP or an IFSP). I would be grateful if anyone would be willing to answer some of my questions. You do not need to share your name or anyone in your family's name, it's completely confidential. Here are the questions:

1. Please tell me about your family (how old is your child, how many siblings your child have and how old are they, are you their mom/dad/guardian, do you have a partner? {No names needed})

2. How did you first learn that your child had a disability?  When did this happen?

3. If you were giving advice to a professional who needed to explain to parents that their child has a special need, what would that advice be?

4. What do you feel are your child’s strengths?

5. What are your hopes and dreams for your child?

6. What are some of the educational and support services your child and family has received?

7. What kind of supports have been most useful to you?

8. Where have you found the resources and information needed to support your child’s development?

9. What is your understanding of inclusion?

10. How has your child experienced it?

11. If I were to be your child’s teacher next year, what advice would you want to give me so your child has the best possible education?

12. What would you want me to do/not do in terms of interactions with you if I were your child’s teacher? (this question is referring to the interactions and communications between parent and teacher)

13. What other information would you like me to know about working with a child with a special need?