• getting ready to talk with parents and the student in the first interview,
• learning to get help when you need it,
• knowing how best to communicate with your student,
  getting to know your student and his or her needs and goals,
• becoming aware of what adjustments may be necessary in your planning, and
• sharing responsibility for directing the student’s educational program in cooperation with other professionals on the team.

Like all students, your new student will be looking to you for understanding as well as recognition and support. When fostered, these expectations can lead to remarkable learning relationships in the classroom. Preparation, cooperative planning and positive communication in the first few days build the groundwork for effective teaching and learning. Building on a strong relationship with your students helps to optimize the physical and emotional environment and curriculum for individual students. By working together, you can create an intellectual, physical, social and emotional environment in which to foster the student’s development in skills, knowledge, communication, responsibility, self-reliance, self-esteem and lifelong learning.