When you’re working in special education, building strong, trusting relationships with parents is one of the most important parts of the job. And when those parents are bilingual—or speak a language other than English at home—it’s not just important, it’s essential to approach communication and collaboration with even more care, intention, and respect.
Language and culture play a huge role in how families view education, disability, and the role of the school. If we’re not mindful of those differences, it’s easy to unintentionally create distance or confusion—especially during the IEP process, which can already feel overwhelming to families navigating it for the first time.
Here are seven ways to support and work alongside bilingual families in a way that’s collaborative, empowering, and inclusive.
1. Prioritize Interpretation and Translation—Every Time
This may seem obvious, but it’s still one of the biggest barriers in special education. Bilingual parents need access to interpreters for all meetings and translated documents for everything related to their child’s services—IEPs, evaluations, progress reports, notices, and beyond. Relying on a child, sibling, or untrained staff member to interpret is not okay (and legally, it’s not compliant either). Professional interpretation services should be arranged in advance and confirmed, not just offered as an afterthought. And don’t forget to check that documents are translated accurately—not just run through an auto-translator. A poorly translated document can create just as much confusion as no translation at all.
2. Be Mindful of Language Complexity
Even with an interpreter or translated materials, jargon-heavy language is hard to follow. Try to avoid acronyms and overly technical terms whenever possible, especially when discussing evaluation results or explaining parts of the IEP. Use simple, clear language, and pause often to check for understanding. It’s not about dumbing anything down—it’s about being respectful of how emotionally and cognitively overwhelming these meetings can be for anyone, especially if English isn’t their first language.2. Be Mindful of Language Complexity
Even with an interpreter or translated materials, jargon-heavy language is hard to follow. Try to avoid acronyms and overly technical terms whenever possible, especially when discussing evaluation results or explaining parts of the IEP. Use simple, clear language, and pause often to check for understanding. It’s not about dumbing anything down—it’s about being respectful of how emotionally and cognitively overwhelming these meetings can be for anyone, especially if English isn’t their first language.
3. Build Trust Before and Beyond the IEP Table
For many bilingual families, especially those who are immigrants or come from different educational systems, schools can feel intimidating. If families have had previous negative experiences with education or authority figures, they may be hesitant to speak up—even if they’re confused, concerned, or disagree with something. Take the time to build trust through regular, friendly communication. Call or message to share good news about their child, ask about cultural holidays, or just say hi. Showing families that you value them beyond the IEP meeting goes a long way toward creating true partnership.
4. Learn About the Family’s Cultural Values and Beliefs
Culture influences how families view disability, support services, and education. In some cultures, discussing a child’s challenges may be considered shameful or taboo. Others may expect the teacher to take full responsibility for the child’s progress without much parent involvement. Still others may expect the opposite—that parents drive the educational decisions. Instead of making assumptions, ask open-ended questions: “Can you tell me more about how your family approaches schoolwork at home?” or “How do you usually support [child’s name] when they get frustrated or stuck?” These conversations not only help you understand the child better, they also show families that you care about their perspective.
5. Use Visuals and Examples Whenever Possible
Sometimes language barriers can be softened by showing rather than telling. Visual supports, data charts, samples of student work, and even photos of classroom tools can help bilingual parents understand what’s happening in their child’s education. If you’re explaining a strategy like a token board or sensory break schedule, showing a picture or actual example can clarify things that may get lost in translation. These tools don’t just benefit families—they make communication more concrete and accessible for everyone.
6. Empower Parents as Experts on Their Child
It’s easy to forget that while we may be the experts on education, families are the experts on their child. This is true in every IEP meeting, but it’s especially important when working with bilingual parents who might feel intimidated or unsure of how to advocate for their child. Invite them into the conversation. Ask for their insights, listen to their stories, and validate their knowledge. When a parent feels heard and respected, they’re more likely to contribute meaningfully to the process—and that leads to better outcomes for the student.
7. Follow Up in Culturally and Linguistically Appropriate Ways
After an IEP meeting or important conversation, don’t assume that everyone walked away with the same understanding. Follow up with a translated summary, a quick phone call with an interpreter, or even a visual recap with key takeaways. Ask if they have any new questions now that they’ve had time to reflect. Consider how the family prefers to communicate—some might prefer phone calls, others text or messaging apps. Meet them where they are. Consistent, accessible follow-up helps keep communication open and ongoing.
Working with bilingual families isn’t just about compliance—it’s about building bridges. When we honor language and culture, we create stronger partnerships, better communication, and more inclusive learning experiences for students. Every family deserves to feel seen, heard, and included in their child’s education. As educators, we have the privilege and responsibility to make that happen.
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