Unscheduled Visits from Parents and Guardians

These visits often take you off guard and can be frightening if the person who is "dropping in" has hostility in his or her step! Above all let the visitor know that building protocol must be followed. If the person has not followed the expected safety rules for visitors, ask them to retrace steps or you should call the office to announce the uninvited guest. Ask your visitor to go to the office on the way out of the school as well, that way the guest will be reminded of the protocol

Additionally:
1. Listen to parent using reflective listening techniques.
2. Be sensitive to the concerns. But do not take notes.
3. Let the parent know that the concerns are too important to discuss at this time. Let w know that your current obligations prevent you from being able to be fully present to the discussion.
4. Then offer to attend to the issue at another mutually agreed upon time.

Remember that your safety and the safety of your student are most important. Call for help if there is ever a question of security.

Do you have other tips on this topic? Please submit your ideas as a comment.