Ease your child’s transition to starting school again by
following these guidelines. Preparation
and planning can go a long way toward helping you, your child and the school
community to start the year off on a positive note.
- Visit the school and the classroom: Don’t wait until the typically chaotic orientation to bring your child to school early. Most public schools are open through the summer and a simple phone call to request permission to visit is all it takes. Even if it is the same school as last year, go see the new classroom, and revisit the common areas like cafeteria, rest rooms, playground and gymnasium. Help your child become familiar with new settings by wondering out loud, such as “Hmmm…I wonder where this hall leads?”
- Identify the support system: Ask if you may stop by and see the new teacher, paraprofessional and any of the specialists with whom your child may interact. They are typically in the building early. If that’s not possible, locate (or ask to borrow from the school library) last year’s yearbook and familiarize your child with their faces through photos. Use the yearbook to refresh your child’s memory about school events and traditions. Re-creating this sense of familiarity will help your child feel more in control of the situation, and less likely to become overwhelmed. Enjoy the playground, to emphasize the fun aspects of returning to school. If your child is starting at a new school, visit the school several times, and meet the principal, school counselors, nurse and office staff one on one.
- Practice routines: Several days before school starts, introduce a new routine daily. For example, have your child awaken as would be typical for a school day. Introduce the breakfast scenario the next day, and each following day add something new, such as packing the backpack, practicing homework-type problems at after-school time, getting dressed within the necessary time frame and finally, practice the trip to and from school, mimicking a school bus route if necessary. If your child experiences sensory issues, and clothing or backpack are new, be sure to allow time for becoming accustomed to the textures.
- Review the IEP or 504 plan and services schedule: Familiarize yourself with the accommodations your child will be provided for the new year. Include your child in the review too, if appropriate. Copy the accommodations page and tape it into the new agenda book, so your child has it accessible for the teacher. Ask the school for your child’s schedule and when, how and by whom services will be delivered.
- Collect and organize new data: Ensure any new evaluations and data secured during the summer are copied and ready. Included in this should be your child’s recent well-child visit and proof of required immunizations. And don’t forget to include the passport letter you prepared earlier. Copy this one-page snapshot of your child to have on hand for every faculty member who will work your child in the upcoming year!