Special Education Tips for Going Back to School
Preparing a Child With Special Needs for a New Classroom
Aug 24, 2009
Parents of children receiving special education services need to be proactive at the beginning of a new school year to ease the transition for the student and to establish a positive working relationship with the new teacher. By preparing a child and opening lines of communication with the teacher, parents will be giving the child the best start possible for a successful school year. Consider taking the following steps before the first day of school.
Preparing Children With Special Education Needs for a New School Year
Transitions in general are commonly difficult for children with special needs or learning disabilities. Parents can help ease the transition to a new grade, new school and/or a new teacher by trying the following.
- Talk to the child about the transition in a positive manner and chances are the child will begin to share in the excitement that the parent is modeling
- Make time time to read stories to the child about going to school. This provides a wonderful opportunity to open conversation lines about any anxieties the child might be experiencing
- Raise enthusiasm by taking the child shopping for school supplies, new shoes, back to school clothing and let him/her be involved in choosing an item such as a backpack
- Before school starts, take the child to visit his/her classroom or tour the school if it is new
- In advance of the first day, discuss and plan the change in daily routines. Practice the schedule if necessary. Begin implementing new bed times at least a week in advance
- Discuss with the child the challenges or difficulties anticipated and create a plan of action together
- Discuss with the child what additional items might need to be purchased or any ideas that could be implemented to help the child be successful
- Be sure to explain to the child what services and accommodations he/she is entitled to receive so that he/she can develop self advocacy skills
Back to School Tips for Parents of Children Receiving Special Education Services
A parent is a child's most effective advocate and can play a crucial role in making certain that a child's educational needs are being met. By being proactive, a parent can increase the likelihood that their child will begin the school year with all the necessary supports in place for a successful year. Before school starts consider the following recommendations.
- Meet with a school administrator at the end of the previous school year or early summer to discuss appropriate teacher placement based on the unique "special" educational needs of the child
- During the summer review the child's IEP or Section 504 Service Agreement. Know what the plan provides for as far as services and/or accommodations. Be certain that the school/teacher follows the plan and that any additional services are in fact being provided
- Request an IEP meeting early on if concerns arise or if there are outstanding unresolved issues from a previous IEP meeting
- When teacher placement has been confirmed, consider sending the teacher an email detailing the child's special needs and indicating a desire to establish a positive working relationship
- Set up a meeting with the new teacher to; answer questions, discuss the child's unique needs and establish a method of teacher preferred communication in the event issues arise
- Provide the teacher with a copy of the IEP or 504 Service Agreement
- Give the teacher a prepared list of the most important pieces of information regarding the child. Include; a brief history, strengths, areas of difficulty, child's interests and any relevant summer updates
- Attend the school's open house to learn more about; the teacher, class expectations/rules, and curriculum. Use the opportunity to again meet the teacher and further establish a positive relationship
Implementing these suggestions will kick start a new school year in a positive direction. Parents of children receiving special education services have the ability to be instrumental in helping a child achieve a successful educational outcome. More information for parents can be found in "Tips for Parents on Special Education Services - Getting Learning Disability Needs Met With an IEP or 504".
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