Special Education Tips for Going Back to School

Preparing a Child With Special Needs for a New Classroom

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Aug 24, 2009 Sandra Phillips

Children with learning disabilities or special needs require a proactive approach with the start of a new school year to ensure a smooth transition and positive outcome.

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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The copyright of the article Special Education Tips for Going Back to School in Special Needs Parenting is owned by Sandra Phillips. Permission to republish Special Education Tips for Going Back to School in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
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