In the realm of special education, effective parent-therapist partnerships are pivotal for achieving optimal outcomes for children with disabilities. The recent research article, Parent-Therapist Partnership Survey: Parent Feedback and Psychometric Properties, provides valuable insights that can enhance these partnerships. This blog aims to distill key findings from the study and offer actionable strategies for practitioners to improve their engagement with parents.
Understanding the Parent-Therapist Partnership Survey (PTPS)
The PTPS, formerly known as the Needs of Parents Questionnaire - School-Based Therapy Version (NPQ-SBT), was developed to assess the needs of parents for better engagement in their child’s school-based therapies. The survey identified two primary factors:
- Need to Be an Informed, Engaged Member of Their Child’s Team
- Need for Support and Guidance
With a high internal consistency of 0.93 for the overall scale, the PTPS serves as a robust tool for understanding and addressing parent needs.
Key Findings and Implications for Practitioners
The PTPS study revealed several critical insights:
- Parents often feel under-informed about their child’s therapies and progress.
- There is a significant need for emotional and logistical support among parents.
- Disparities exist in unmet needs between different demographic groups.
To address these findings, practitioners can implement the following strategies:
- Enhance Communication: Provide regular, detailed updates about the child’s progress and the rationale behind therapeutic interventions.
- Offer Support and Resources: Establish support groups for parents and provide resources to help them manage their child’s needs effectively.
- Promote Cultural Sensitivity: Recognize and respect cultural differences, ensuring that communication and support are tailored to diverse backgrounds.
Encouraging Further Research
While the PTPS offers a strong foundation, further research is needed to validate its findings across larger and more diverse populations. Practitioners are encouraged to contribute to this ongoing research by collecting data and sharing their experiences with the PTPS.
Conclusion
Effective parent-therapist partnerships are essential for the success of school-based therapies. By utilizing tools like the PTPS and implementing data-driven strategies, practitioners can significantly enhance parent engagement and, consequently, child outcomes.
To read the original research paper, please follow this link: Parent-Therapist Partnership Survey: Parent Feedback and Psychometric Properties.
