BACK-TO-SCHOOL TIPS
A new school year will be here before you know it. And if your child is about to start in a new grade or classroom—or a whole new school—summer is your best time to lay the groundwork for a productive year.
While that applies to all school-age kids, it’s especially true if the child has special needs. And doubly so after two years of COVID-19-related disruptions.
While you’re squeezing as much enjoyment as possible from summertime, it makes sense to spend some part of the steamy weeks ahead focusing on the academic rigors of fall and beyond. These tips can help prepare your child for a smooth transition to a new school year.
Get organized. Education is all about information, and you know you’ll be receiving a lot of it. Including meeting invitations, reminders, progress reports and other important paperwork. Also notes from phone conversations and other interactions. It helps if you can get a jump on that firehose of information. Set up a system that helps you keep track of it all, all in one place. Organize it according to your own priorities since you’re the one who’ll be consulting it. Managing your child’s education is easier if you know where to turn for all the info you’ll need.
Review your child’s IEP. Over time, Individualized Education Plans (IEP) expire. They get stale. They may not account for the child’s most recent milestones and achievements. Revisit your child’s plan now and arm yourself with a list of what needs to change. Don’t hesitate to request an IEP review meeting if you feel one is needed. Even if no updates are required, be sure you know the expiration date.
Build excitement, not fear. Your child will likely have some reservations about the coming school year—especially if it involves transitioning to a new school. Encourage your child to talk about the classes and activities they’re most—and least—excited about. Focus on ways they’ll benefit from learning new skills and having new friends.
Build a new routine. Develop a new schooltime routine for the coming year. If you can do that with input and buy-in from your child, they’ll have good reasons to stick with it. Perhaps start with mornings and evenings. Practice wake-up, hygiene, mealtime and ready-for-school routines during the summer and tweak as necessary. By the time school starts, it’ll all feel familiar
Stay informed. To be a better advocate for your child, it’s important to know the dynamics. Learn about pending legislation and other developments that determine how special education is conducted in your area. That includes at the state and local levels. You’ll be less likely to feel blindsided if something changes.
Make logistics more familiar. Is there a new way your child will get to and from school? A new place where they’ll be having lunch? Summer is a great time to introduce those activities. By the time school starts, your child will have a better handle on what to expect.
Visit new teacher(s) and classroom(s). If your child will be exposed to new people and new environments this year, they may feel more comfortable if you can arrange a visit in advance. Show them around. Letting the child take in the newness helps remove the sting of uncertainty—at a time when there’s less pressure. Early visiting can also help educators get more familiar with your child.
For more on Hope Haven’s Discovery School, our facilities, educators and staff, or to arrange a tour, contact us at 904-346-5800.