It is back-to-school-season. This can be a difficult time for families with children with intellectual disabilities. However, preparing in advance can make the back-to-school transition easier. Here are some tips to prepare.
Communicate with your child: Talk to your child about going back to school.
Marking dates on a calendar and using visuals can help prepare your child and help
ease any anxiety.
Begin your routine early: Start the school year routine early. This includes introducing new bedtimes and morning routines.
Build a relationship with the teacher and faculty: If possible, meet the teacher in advance. Begin building a relationship with the teacher and faculty who will be involved in your child’s school year.
Write a list with information about your child’s needs: Share a list with information about your child with the teacher. This information can include allergies, information about sensory issues, tips about how to communicate with your child and any other information that can help strengthen the relationship between your child and the teacher.
Develop an IEP (Individualized Education Program): An IEP is a plan with goals to help your child succeed during the school year. This program is created between teachers, faculty and parents. Set an appointment with your teacher to see if you can create this program. Share previous programs and monitor successes to share with the teacher.
Having a back-to-school plan helps all those involved. This time period does not need to be stressful for families and advance preparation will alleviate stress. If anything, with advance preparation this can be an exciting time for children, as they get ready for a new year. If you have any tips for us, send them our way!