The back-to-school displays are already up in stores nationwide. As a parent of a child with special needs, you have learned that more preparation for the new school year is needed than just stocking up on school supplies. Hopefully by now you are satisfied with the school setting you have found for your child. If you still have concerns, you can read more about school choice or listen to a podcast on getting the best education for your child.
There are 5 major steps you can take now, beyond the school shopping, that will be instrumental in preparing your child for success in the new school year. The first is to review your child’s IEP or 504 plan. If they are old enough, review it with your child. How was their progress in meeting the annual goals? What worked last year and should be continued? What didn’t work and needs to be eliminated? What adjustments will need to be made in consideration of the new school year, change in teachers or schedule? Now is the time to request a team meeting to share your concerns and observations. Start out the year with everyone on the same page in supporting your child’s school progress. And start out the meeting by focusing on your child’s strengths and your appreciation for the other team members. People put in more effort when they feel appreciated.
Another appointment to make is with your child’s doctor to review your child’s medication. Discuss any observations of changes in your child’s behavior, changes in growth, or changes in the academic requirements. It can be a major transition moving from grade school with 1 or 2 teachers to secondary with 6 or 7 and more homework. If your child took medication last school year, but not over the summer, discuss when medication should be resumed, usually a few weeks before school begins.
Make a calendar with your child. This is an effective way to reduce anxiety, establish a routine and set healthy boundaries. Children with special needs are more successful when they know what to expect. It will become their plan when they are involved in the decision-making process. Listen to their concerns and input. Outline when they will need to be ready for school and what will need to be accomplished before that time. Keep this list as short and simple as possible. Designate a time for homework and make sure there is a place set up with needed supplies for that purpose. Choose after school activities that interest and motivate them. Talk about deadlines and get your child’s input on how they will be met. And then make sure there is room in the schedule for the things that meet your child’s needs and put a smile on their face.
Take your child with you to explore the school. This can be helpful even if it’s the same school if there are new rooms involved. Make sure your child can find all of the places they will be going to, the cafeteria, their locker, the bathrooms. Make sure they can easily use their locker. Have them meet as many of their new teachers as possible. If you are dropping in before school starts, most teachers will be in their rooms preparing for the new school year. If they are in the right profession, they will be delighted to meet you and your child. Don’t hesitate to interrupt for a few minutes to introduce yourselves. If they are not in the right profession, don’t hesitate to talk to an administrator. The easiest time to request a schedule change is before school begins. There are many school employees who will be in a position to help your child and who chose that job because they enjoy being around children. Don’t overlook the secretaries, paraprofessionals, custodians and cafeteria workers. They will also be pleased to meet you and your child. School personnel are appreciative and responsive to parents who care about their child’s success in school.
Finally, set goals with your child. Focus on their strengths and interests and listen to their concerns and feelings. Review with them the curriculum and expectations for the upcoming year and their areas of challenge. Ask them what they want to learn. Talk about how they can incorporate their interests with the requirements of the new school year. Write down 5 to 10 attainable goals for the school year. Set at least one goal that can be easily reached, to provide a success experience, and one that will be a challenge and could be worked on throughout the year. Talk about the level of support they will need and plan how to provide it. Will they need one-on-one support at school? Will you be able to provide the one-on-one support at home? Will they need a tutor? If so, make sure you find a tutor who guides as needed while encouraging independence. Support is most effective when it is provided with the long term goal in mind of gradually removing the supports until your child is meeting goals on their own. This is referred to as scaffolding.