If you live in Georgia, back-to-school has started. Kids return on August 1st, 5th, or 6th. In South Carolina, year-round students went back on July 29th. Other states, like Texas and Virginia, start on the 14th and 19th, respectively. Summer flew by, so let’s discuss 10 tips for starting the school year off right for a special education student.
1. Review the IEP
Familiarize yourself with your child’s IEP! This includes their current goals, accommodations, and special education services. Do they receive related services (OT, Speech, Counseling, Social Work, etc.)? When is their annual IEP meeting date? Is it time to go ahead and schedule a meeting before the fall and winter breaks? Unsure of what you need to look for? Partners in PROMISE offers IEP Reviews.
2. Meet the Team
Schedule a meeting with your child’s general education teacher, special education teacher, and case manager because sometimes the case manager differs from the special education teacher. Get to know their specials teachers (P.E., music, art, STEAM, etc.) and support personnel who will also engage with them, including the nurse, the bus driver, and the cafeteria staff. Discuss your child’s strengths, challenges, and any updates over the summer.
3. Establish Communication
Set up a regular communication plan with teachers and support staff. How does the staff prefer to communicate via email, a communication app, or paper sent home? How do you prefer to communicate? If they prefer to communicate by phone, keep a log of that communication and follow up via email.
4. Prepare Your Child
Visit the school before the first day to help your child become familiar with the environment. This doesn’t have just to be at an open house. You can request to set up a time for fewer people, overstimulation, and interaction for your learner to tour the school and see where their classes will be.
Discuss the daily routine, schedule, and what to expect to ease anxiety. You can even take pictures during the open house to remind your child what their new setting will look like.
5. Organize Materials
Ensure your child has all necessary supplies labeled and organized. I know you’re thinking, Destiny, this isn’t my first rodeo. I know this, but sometimes, that extra reminder can keep you from forgetting and becoming overwhelmed.
Create a system for keeping track of assignments and important documents. Remember, Partners in PROMISE has a Special Education & EFMP Binder for Military Families.
6. Create a Supportive Routine
Establish a consistent morning and evening routine to help your child transition smoothly. What time do they need to go to bed to feel rested? What time do they need to get up in the morning? If they are used to napping, does their Kindergarten or Pre-K program offer naps?
7. Advocate Early
Address any concerns or issues promptly with the IEP team. Were there any concerns when the school year ended? Were there any concerns when they attended ESY (extended school year)? Request a meeting in writing to address concerns.
8. Encourage Self-Advocacy
Teach your child self-advocacy skills appropriate for their age and abilities. What do they need? When do they need it? How do they ask for breaks? Do they communicate verbally or vocally via gestures, sign language, or AAC devices?
Communicate this to their team so they can be prepared when they make requests and honor their request. You can also request that self-advocacy goals be put in their IEP and that speech pragmatic services focus on self-advocacy in various situations.
9. Know Special Education Law & School Policies
Keep up with any changes in special education laws (both federal and state) and school policies. Know IDEA (Individuals with Disabilities Education Act), FAPE (Free Appropriate Public Education), and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, to name a few. Go to your state Department of Education website for your state-specific special education handbook and statutes.
Join parent support groups or online communities for advice and support.
10. Monitor Progress
Review your child’s progress toward their IEP goals regularly. As the school year progresses, keep track of the quarterly progress reports, phone calls, and written reports that come home especially suspensions and detentions.
Celebrating Successes: Ensuring a Positive and Supportive School Year for Your Child
Lastly, celebrate successes. It’s essential to go into the school year with the mindset that it’s a new year, a new teacher, and sometimes a new school. Positivity and vigilance can go a long way. You can help ensure a successful and supportive school year for your child by staying proactive, organized, and communicative.
About the Author – Destiny Huff
Destiny is the proud wife of an Army Armor Officer and the former military brat of a Retired CSM who served 27 years in the U.S. Army. She is a late-diagnosed Autistic and ADHD, a Licensed Professional Counselor, Certified Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavior Therapist, and Certified Supervisor who has worked with military service members and their families as a mental health professional.
Destiny received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from Georgia Southern University and a Master of Science in Clinical-Counseling Psychology from Valdosta State University. She recently successfully defended her dissertation, Exploring Therapists’ Use of Bibliotherapy Strategy for Military Children, at Walden University for her PhD in General Psychology.
In 2022, Destiny received a crash course in special education and IEPs when her oldest son was diagnosed with Autism. After advocating early on for her youngest son, who has a Speech Delay, she learned the importance of having to advocate in the school setting. Destiny became a Special Education Parent Advocate and Master IEP Coach to help other families advocate for their children and prevent them from going through what her family went through.
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