A Brand New Start

Getting your child's new school year off to a great start is important for all children, not just those with disabilities. However, for students with disabilities, there are key components that parents and teachers have to consider as they move forward into a new school year. Here are just a few communication tips that may help your child acclimate better to their new classroom and school routines:

• For middle and high school students, the first few days usually consist of schedule changes, meetings with school counselors to ensure graduation plans are in place and choosing new electives or courses of interest. Even if you spoke to teachers at an open house, a friendly email to remind teachers about your child's IEP or 504 plans and the best way to reach you if they have questions set the tone off right for the new year. If your child has a schedule change themselves, this email may be very important to make sure their teacher is aware of their needs. Schools are extremely busy the first week of school, teachers do not always get important details prior to schedule changes, so a little grace goes a long way in building good relationships at the very beginning.

  
  

• For elementary schools, there may be fewer schedule changes to consider, but meeting a new teacher, a new classroom and new friends can be overwhelming. While you may not get that 1:1 parent conference at Open House, sending an email to highlight your child's specific needs and maybe sharing some motivating factors for your child can help them make good connections with your child from the beginning. Has your child lost interest in robotics, but now loves anime? Do they now enjoy reading books about science instead fiction? Do they love a specific sports team or have a new hobby? Any changes that can help them relate on a personal level or serve as a motivator in class is probably appreciated as "insider" knowledge.

  
  

• Hopefully, your IEP already has an established, clear method of communication between parents and teachers. If this is not in place, discuss these options with your child's teacher. Depending on the level of need for your child, traditional communication methods they use for all children may be appropriate. However, for those with more intensive needs, a formal communication plan that is easy to use but provides clear details about the day or week may be more appropriate.

  
  

• REST! Like all of us, a good sleep routine is important. Finding ways to calm your child at night so they can rest is critical. They are working hard all day long and will need to give their bodies the rest it needs to conquer the next day. Particularly at the beginning of the year, it is normal for students to have emotional moments at home after school. They have been following new rules and controlling their emotions all day, at home- you are their safe person and safe place to let those strong emotions out. If this continues to progress, you may want to discuss this with your child's special education teacher, counselor or case manager.

If you still see concerns or do not receive feedback, make sure you follow up with the teachers or case managers. While they may be busy, you are your child's best voice to have concerns addressed early in the year. It is important that you express your concerns in writing early on, keep those collected throughout, and be persistent if you feel you are not being heard. Calling an IEP meeting is your right, so do not hesitate to request one. Getting off to a great start at the beginning of the year is critical to your child's success!

If you have questions or concerns and want the advice of an advocate, you can schedule a free 30-minute consultation with me today!