Back to school with an IEP can bring extra questions for military families. These six tips can help parents prepare, get organized, and start the school year with confidence.
As summer winds down, you may be settling back into the back-to-school routine. There’s a lot to think about: new teachers, schedules, and routines. If you recently PCSed, you may also be adjusting to a new home and school.
As both a special education teacher and a parent of a child with an IEP, I understand this transition. The beginning of a new school year can be exciting, busy, and sometimes overwhelming. Having been on both sides of the IEP table, I’ve learned what can make a difference. Strong relationships, organization, preparation, and communication are key to a successful school year.
Whether your child is returning to the same school or starting somewhere new, this is a great time to prepare. The beginning of the year is the perfect time to revisit their IEP, connect with their school team, and make sure everyone is working together to support a successful year.
Start the Year Strong: 6 Things to Do
1. Review Your Child’s IEP
Take time to review your child’s current IEP. Become familiar with their goals, services, accommodations, and other supports. If anything is unclear, don’t hesitate to ask the school team for clarification.
If your child is staying in the same school or district, connect with their case manager. Ask how the team will share the IEP with new teachers and communicate services and accommodations to appropriate staff.
If your family recently moved, you may need to take a more active role. Make sure the school receives your child’s records and understands their needs
2. Connect With Your Child’s IEP Team
Introduce yourself to your child’s teachers, case manager, and other members of the IEP team. Share your child’s strengths, interests, and strategies that have worked well in the past.
Establish a communication routine early. Discuss how you will stay informed about progress, concerns, accommodations, and IEP goals. Building a positive relationship before a problem arises can make communication much easier when challenges do come up.
3. Make Sure Supports Are in Place
Verify that your child’s special education/related services, modifications/accommodations, and assistive technology are ready to begin.
Schools may need some time to finalize schedules. However, your child should receive the supports outlined in their IEP from the start of the school year. If something your child needs is missing, communicate with the school team as soon as possible.
4. Know Your Special Education Rights
You don’t have to be a special education law expert. Knowing the basics, however, can help you advocate confidently for your child. A great place to start is by reviewing your state’s Procedural Safeguards.
These safeguards explain the legal protections available to you and your child. They also explain your rights regarding evaluations, services, placement, records, consent, and resolving disagreements with the school.
You can find your procedural safeguards by asking your school district’s special education department or visiting your school’s or state’s Department of Education website. Schools are also required to offer this document to parents at least once a year and upon an initial referral for an evaluation.
5. Get Organized
Create a simple system for keeping important documents together. These may include IEPs, evaluations, progress reports, school correspondence, and meeting notes.
For military families, keeping good records is especially important. A PCS may mean starting over at a new school. Having your child’s educational history organized and readily available can make that transition much smoother.
Partners in PROMISE also offers a Special Education & EFMP Binder for Military Families to help families stay organized.
6. Advocate Early and Stay Connected
If you have questions or concerns, reach out early rather than waiting for a problem to grow. Use the first few weeks to see how your child is adjusting. Check whether accommodations are working and whether the IEP supports are meeting your child’s needs.
And remember to celebrate the small wins. Progress isn’t always reflected in a grade. A child asking for help, becoming more independent, making a new friend, or simply feeling more comfortable at school are all important successes.
A Final Thought for Parents
I know the start of a new school year can feel like a lot. Your family may have just navigated a PCS and started at a new school. Or you may be returning to a familiar one. Either way, getting back into routines and schedules can feel overwhelming. Take it one step at a time. Review your child’s IEP, get organized, communicate with their team, and give yourself time to build new relationships.
If you’re feeling unsure or overwhelmed, don’t be afraid to ask questions or reach out for help. Your child’s school team can be a valuable resource. Connecting with other special education parents can remind you that you’re not alone.
Need Extra Special Education Support?
Partners in PROMISE offers resources to help military families navigate special education. Families can also connect with a trained mentor through a free one-on-one Special Education Parent Mentorship Consult.
Wishing you and your child a wonderful school year!
About the Author – Carla Wyrsch
Carla Wyrsch is the proud spouse of a retired United States Marine and mother of two. She has devoted her career to educating and advocating for children with disABILITIES. Her experience spans a variety of settings, including residential treatment facilities, military bases, public schools, virtual learning, and the Lerner School for Autism at the Cleveland Clinic. She is currently a special education teacher for her local school district. In addition to being an educator, Carla enjoys volunteering with Best Buddies of Greater Memphis, the Organization for Autism Research, and Partners in PROMISE as a content creator and advisory board member.
Leave a Reply