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Use Contact Logs

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Use contact logs to increase accountability


By using a Contact Log, it makes getting what your child needs from the professionals involved so much easier.  Imagine the look on their faces when you can quote the date you were promised something, who promised it to you, and when it was to be completed.

Face it, when you have special needs children you're life revolves around them and their needs.  This usually involves professionals of some sort, and I have learned the hard way that the squeaky wheel is heard.

Instead of leaving that stuff to your overworked memory, write it down in a contact log and be the master of facts.

Create A Contact Log

There is no right or wrong format to keeping a contact log. It's a matter of finding what works for you and using it.

However you manage it, each log entry should include the following items:

· Date of conversation.

· Type of conversation: Phone, meeting, informal encounter.

· Who the conversation was with: Name and title.

· Who initiated the conversation.

· Reason for contact.

· Items discussed.

· Actions initiated, if any.

· Follow-up required?


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Organize Your Contact Logs

Here are some ideas of ways you can organize your contact log. Feel free to add how you organized yours.



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Keep completed forms in a notebook

Use tabs to keep contacts with particular individu more...0 points

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Keep completed forms in an accordion file

Label the different pockets with the name of the i more...0 points

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Keep completed forms in file folders

If you have a file cabinet, an individual folder f more...0 points

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Keep the log in a bound journal

Keep a desk calendar with a daily or weekly format more...0 points

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Keep the log on index cards

Keep them organized in a file box, with tabs divid more...0 points

Why Keep A Contact Log?

· It makes requests more convincing.

"I spoke to you about this on November 23 and you said you would have it to me by November 30. Where is it?" will get you what you want faster than "Um, I think you and I spoke about this a while ago, and you said something about maybe getting it for me about now?"

· It makes letters more incriminating.

If you have to bump requests up to the county or state level, you want to be able to prove that local administrators didn't follow through on the issue. Painting a trail of exact names, dates, conversations and statements will do that.

· It puts people on notice.

Once the professionals involved with your child know that you're taking notes, they're much more likely to make responsible statements and back them up. A reputation for enforcing accountability is one you shouldn't mind getting.

· It prevents meeting flip-flops.

You always have back-up with your contact log by your side.

· It encourages you to make contact.

Once you're working that log, use it proactively. Make contact with your child's teacher and therapists on a regular basis, and record what you learn.

Storing Contact Logs

By adding your Contact Log to the Care Notebook, it becomes a part of your child's permanent record.


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Printable Forms

About.com - Blank Contact Log

Blank contact log form that is in pdf format.

Family Education - Meeting Log

Print and use this template each time you meet with your child's teacher or other school staff members.

Family Education - Phone Log

Print out and use this template each time you have a phone conversation with your child's teacher or other staff member.

Do You Use Contact Logs?

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  • Reply
    vallain Aug 12, 2011 @ 8:18 pm | delete
    I'm sure this is especially important in parenting a special needs child, but I can also see it being useful in a variety of situations for all parents. Thanks for sharing your expertise. Blessed by a squid angel and featured on You've Been Blessed.
  • Reply
    Jereziah Mar 24, 2011 @ 8:37 am | delete
    I couldn’t currently have asked for a more rewarding blog. You’re there to give excellent information, going straight away to the point for straightforward understanding of your site visitors. You’re undeniably a terrific expert in this field. Thank you for remaining there for people like me.
    Regarding the contacts thing, Why don't you try numbers for your business that's so easy to remember?
    I would recommend you to Get A 1300 Number.
  • Reply
    WhitePineLane Jan 26, 2011 @ 8:21 pm | delete
    *Back with a Squid Angel Blessing!*
    I didn't start using one when I commented below, and I am regretting it. Starting one tomorrow! Thanks again for the great ideas.
  • Reply
    WhitePineLane Nov 6, 2009 @ 11:44 pm | delete
    I haven't been using one, but it's an excellent idea. Five-starred and lensrolled over to my Asperger's Syndrome: Reference Materials and Resources lens.
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Macs

Hello and welcome! My name is Tammi, but you can call me Tam to keep it simple.
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