7 Back to School Tips for Parents of Special Needs Students
This time of year many parents are excited for their kids to get back to school. For those parents of children with disabilities though, it can be stressful thinking about what the new year might bring. Thoughts of who their child’s teacher will be, whether will they be a good fit, whether or not your child will make friends this year, if they will be bullied, and if they will make progress toward their IEP goals.
Some things I used to do at the start of each year was to make a cheat sheet about my son, his likes, dislikes, a bit about his disability, and things tried in the past that were helpful. I would also start by reaching out to introduce myself and let them know I was able to help if needed with class supplies, field trips and just be available.
I came across an article from a great reading site called Reading Rockets and they had some great suggestions as well. Please see the full article here, Reading Rockets.
Our Top 7 back-to-school tips for parents emphasize communication, organization, and staying up-to-date on special education news.
A new school year means a new grade, new teachers, new goals, and maybe even a new school! In order to help you and your child with special needs be as successful as you can be, we've put together a list of seven helpful back-to-school tips that we hope will make the transition into a new school year a little easier for you and your child.
1. Organize all that paperwork
In the world of special education, there are lots of meetings, paperwork, and documentation to keep track of. Try to keep a family calendar of school events, special education meetings, conferences, etc. Setting up a binder or folder to keep your child's special education documentation, meeting notices, and IEPs in sequential order can also help you stay organized.
2. Start a communication log. This is very important if you are planning to work with an advocate/attorney. This saves time and money for all.
Keeping track of all phone calls, e-mails, notes home, meetings, and conferences is important. Create a "communication log" for yourself in a notebook that is easily accessible. Be sure to note the dates, times, and nature of the communications you have.
3. Review your child's current IEP
The IEP is the cornerstone of your child's educational program, so it's important that you have a clear understanding of it. Note when the IEP expires and if your child is up for reevaluation this year. Most importantly, be sure that this IEP still "fits" your child's needs! If you're unsure, contact the school about holding an IEP review meeting.
4. Relieve back-to-school jitters
Just talking about the upcoming year and changes can help reduce some of that back-to-school anxiety! Talk to your child about exciting new classes, activities, and events that they can participate in during the new school year. If attending a new school, try to schedule a visit before the first day. With older students, it is sometimes helpful to explain the services and accommodations in their IEP so that they know what to expect when school begins.
5. Keep everyone informed
It's important that routine that will happen once school starts. You can even begin practicing your new schedule, focusing on morning and evening routines, and begin implementing them well in advance of the first day of school.
6. Stay up-to-date on special education news
Being knowledgeable about your child's IEP and their disability can help you become a better advocate for your child. Try to keep up-to-date on new special education legislation, news, and events. The more you know, the more prepared you will be to navigate the world of special education and successfully advocate for your child!
7. Attend school events
Take advantage of Open House, Back-to-School Night, and parent-teacher conferences to help you and your child get a feel for the school and meet the teachers, other staff, students, and families. Share the positives about working with your child, and let the teacher know about changes, events, or IEP concerns that should be considered for children in special education.
For more information about starting the year off right, please visit Reading Rockets' back-to-school section.
If you are needing help advocating for your child please reach out to us for help. Advocacy for Special Kids, LLC Website
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