Open House.. What to do?

​Beginning schools entails Open House... I know the name varies state to state.

But I wanted to review some of the details of what I do for my open house.

Around 3 years ago, I discovered that use a PowerPoint presentation to cover everything needed. Normally this helps direct our parents to avoid discussing anything specific on their child.

I always begin by create a take home folder.

Inside I make a copy of my contact and the autism coach information. I put any forms I need to be completed. Also I add a copy of the homenote, agenda, t-shirt and communication triangle. Of course, I have some art and craft created by the students, and some edible with cute note.

Onto the PowerPoint the more descriptive on every detail, the less parents will have any questions at then.

I has always seemed to cover all their questions with my presentation. I always start my night by stating "Please parents remember this night is for me to review all the classroom and academic details, I cannot review anything specific on a students IEP or a student specific question." It will set the tone from the beginning.

Here is what I review in the PowerPoint:

1. Meet the teacher (Quick Bio)
2. Triangle of success (Communication)
3. Ways to communicate
4. Arrival/Dismissal Procedures
5. Snack
6. Classroom Rules
7. Behavior Plan
8. Hierarchy Prompt Chart
9. Media Center
10. Our Daily Schedule (Not specific just overall general)
11. Schedules
12. Classroom Design
13. Each Center and their description
14. Occupational and Speech Therapy
15. Curriculum (I go through each available curriculum and a brief description)
16. Homework (My philosophy and how I handle homework)
17. Online Resources
18. IEPs
19. Conferences
20. Progress Reports/ Report Cards
21. Volunteering/Chaperoning Policy
22. Room Parents
23. Autism Coach
24. Questions
25. To do before leaving check list.

This may seem like a lot.. but it works like magic!!! Promise.. Keeps everyone guided and normally I have no questions. Parents have loved it! :)

Hope this helped..