Communication in interprofessional teams meeting special educational needs of children in Lithuanian ECEC settings

ENIn this chapter, the concept of communication among professionals, as one of the key components of interprofessional team collaboration while meeting special educational needs (SEN) of children, is explored. The aim of the research was to identify and interpret communication experiences among professionals, who are working together in teams to meet SEN of children. The aim of interprofessional communication mainly relates to modelling flexible education that is focused on child’s welfare, capacities and health. Daily informal communication in spontaneous meetings creates an opportunity to spread information and provide emotional support to each other. However, limitations of informal communication - such as interruption of individual work, irrational time management and lack of constructive discussions - have been identified. Formal, purposefully organised meetings are focused on accountability of professionals’ performance as well as organisational issues, and are seen by professionals as not enough efficient. In addition, professionals emphasise a lack of constructive dialogue in the meetings. Therefore, the participants of the research suggest to use formal meetings for the purposeful discussions, practice reflections and learning from each other. [From the publication]

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