Teachers are responsible for reporting on your child’s learning and progress. Education assistants (EAs) support students under the direction of teachers and may have valuable observations about participation, communication, personal care, and how supports are working.
Arrangements for direct communication with EAs vary. Ask the teacher or principal to explain the school’s arrangements and agree how information will move between you and the staff supporting your child.
Why does the school ask me to speak to the teacher?
The teacher is responsible for the educational program, assessment, and reporting to parents. An EA contributes observations and helps put the program into practice, but does not take over those responsibilities.
The BCTF/CUPE joint paper on teachers’ and EAs’ roles explains this division of responsibilities. Local policies and collective agreements also affect arrangements.
What if the EA is the person who knows what happened?
Ask how their observations will be included in the response. Depending on the arrangements, this could involve an agreed communication book, information passed through the teacher, or a meeting involving the relevant staff. Be specific about what you need to understand: whether your child could access a break, which support was provided, or what happened before and after a difficult transition.
What should a communication plan cover?
- Who your main contact is and who responds when that person is unavailable.
- What information will be shared, through which channel, and how often.
- How urgent health, safety, or access concerns will reach the appropriate person.
- How your information and your child’s perspective will reach staff providing support.
Keep the arrangement manageable. Focus on information that helps everyone understand your child’s access, well-being, and learning.
What if I am being redirected but nobody answers?
Write to the principal. Explain the unanswered question, why the information matters, and the response you need. Ask who will obtain the information and when you will receive an answer.
Clarifying staff roles should result in a workable communication route. If the arrangement leaves important questions unanswered, ask for it to be reviewed.
Read more: Understanding the role of teachers and EAs, School advocacy has stalled: what can I do next?
