Working Together: Communication Skills for Parents, Caregivers, and Other Professionals. A Series for Caregivers of Infants and Toddlers. Model for Interdisciplinary Training for Children with Handicaps: MITCH Module 11.

Intended for use in Florida training programs for caregivers of infants and toddlers with disabilities, this guide presents an overview of the Model of Interdisciplinary Training for Children with Handicaps (MITCH); offers a user's guide to the series; and provides specific information for presenting Module 11, which focuses on communication skills for caregivers. After the introduction to the MITCH program as a whole, the user's guide provides information on the instructor's role, the 3-hour training session, the use of videotapes and audiotapes, and follow-up activities. For this module, goals and objectives focus on providing participants with an understanding of effective communication, nonverbal communication, roadblocks to communication, active listening, methods for making oneself understood, steps in problem-solving, talking with coworkers and parents, and giving praise. For each hour, a script, suggested activities, and relevant handouts are provided. Attached are lists of recommended resources and references, reproducible forms and handouts, and forms for the 6-week follow up. (DB)