Students with disabilities may struggle with the changes associated with starting a new school year. This is especially true if the student is starting in a new school district, or
with a new class, new school, or new teacher. There are things families can do to make this transition easier.
Preparation is Key.
There are various ways parents can help their child prepare for a new school year.
At home: Many students with disabilities need structure in their lives. This means setting up a home routine for success. A regular schedule can help get them ready. For example, if the family has slipped into a summer schedule, start moving up bedtime and wake up time gradually, so the child is used to going to bed and getting up at the time they would during the school year. A normal bedtime and wake up time should be created at least one week before school starts. Parents can practice during the summer, helping with preparation the night before, such as picking out clothes, packing supplies into backpacks, making lunches etc., to help make the mornings calmer.
Families can also help their child ease nervousness about this change. Preparing children emotionally goes a long way to make this happen smoothly. Parents can have multiple conversations about the new school year with their child and explain what will happen. Social stories are a great way to help children know what to expect. Families can also check to see if the child would be allowed to bring a small comfort item to school. Lessening uneasiness will also help with issues like separation anxiety or school avoidance.
Parents can also help their child develop appropriate communication and coping skills. Reminding the child to “use your words” when possible instead of acting out, will help. Children can also learn to ask for breaks if they feel overwhelmed. A visual schedule of the school day will help the child get to know the school schedule. Nonverbal children can benefit from visual schedules or pointing to choices, or breaks as needed. Families can help their child with self-advocacy from an early age. Giving them choices, even something as simple as which shirt to wear, is a good start.
School setting: Helping the child become familiar with the environment of new people ahead of time is helpful. The child will feel more comfortable if s/he can see their new school and, if possible, see the classroom and meet the teacher. Families can have their child attend back-to-school or open house events, or if those are not available, call the school. Parents should explain that if the student can become familiar with the new school, class, or teacher, it will benefit both the child and the school.
Students with IEPs
For students with Individualized Education Programs, it is essential that the services and supports in the IEP are followed in the new setting. Parents can review their child’s IEP before the school year starts. Some families can benefit using a communication notebook with the teacher that goes back and forth between home and school, especially at the beginning of a new school year. Even though it’s supposed to happen automatically, parents can ensure the new school and any teachers working with the student have a copy of the IEP. If families are concerned that the IEP supports are not being implemented, they can contact their Parent Training and Information Center for free help.
Starting Off Right : Resources to Help Smooth the Back to School Transition
The ARC - The Ultimate Back-To-School Guide for Families of Children with Disabilities
https://thearc.org/blog/the-ultimate-back-to-school-guide-for-families-of-children-with-disabilities
LDA America - Students with Learning Disabilities: Back-To-School Tips
https://ldaamerica.org/lda_today/students-with-learning-disabilities-back-to-school-tips
PATH (Parents Available to Help) - Preparing for Back-To-School: A Guide for Parents of Children with Disabilities
https://pathct.org/blog/preparing-for-back-to-school-a-guide-for-parents-of-children-with-disabilities
Reading Rockets - Back-to-School Tips for Parents of Children with Special Needs
www.readingrockets.org/topics/special-education/articles/back-school-tips-parents-children-special-needs
Carol Gray Social Stories
https://carolgraysocialstories.com/wp-content/uploads/2018/08/Social-Stories-for-Back-to-School-Dont-leave-home-without-em.pdf
A Day in Our Shoes - Free Visual Schedules for Kids
https://adayinourshoes.com/free-printable-visual-schedules-for-home-and-daily-routines
Find Your Parent Center
www.parentcenterhub.org/find-your-center
Although some students with disabilities may have difficulty transitioning to a new school year, these tips should make it easier for families to help their child start off right.
ABOUT THE AUTHOR:
Lauren Agoratus, M.A. is the NJ Coordinator for Family Voices, NJ Regional Coordinator for the Family-to-Family Health Information Center, and Product Development Coordinator for RAISE (Resources for Advocacy, Independence, Self-Determination, and Employment). She also serves as NJ representative for the Caregiver Community Action Network as a volunteer. Nationally, Lauren has served on the Center for Dignity in Healthcare for People with Disabilities transplant committee (antidiscrimination), Center for Health Care Strategies Medicaid Workgroup on Family Engagement, Family Advisor for Children & Youth with Special Health Care Needs National Research Network, National Quality Forum-Pediatric Measures Steering Committee, and Population Health for Children with Medical Complexity Project-UCLA. She has written blogs and articles nationally, including publications in 2 academic journals (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/?term=agoratus+l). Lauren was named a Hero Advocate by Exceptional Parent Magazine (www.epmagazine.com Archives June 2022) and recently received the Julie Beckett Policy Advocacy Award as well as the Pediatric Complex Care Lived Experience Partner Lifetime Achievement Award.
Read the article here.