It's almost time for a new school year can you believe it? If you're located in Georgia like me your kids go back either August 1st, 5th, or 6th so the new school year is right around the corner. Parents of neurodivergent learners have this unique balance of being excited for summer to end, my kids can eat and are bored LOL, and worrying about what the upcoming school year will bring. So let's talk about:
Practical tips for easing the transition back to school
How to communicate effectively with teachers and school staff
The importance of a well-prepared IEP for the new school year
Resources and tools for parents and children
Practical tips for easing the transition back to school
Go ahead and start your routine - we know that our neurodivergent learners thrive on routine and structure, but also flexibility and choice. Start the routine at least a month before school heads back so that your learner can begin their new routine. Look at what could possible work during the school year because we know that as the school year starts new supports will be needed.
Reach out to the new school team - go ahead and send an email requesting an IEP or 504 meeting to set an early tone. Go to the open house and make sure to bring ALL ABOUT ME's and copies of the 504 and IEP for the teacher's records. This lets them know that you are fully prepared to be a collaborative partner in your learner's education.
Talk with your learner about the changes and upcoming year - Talk to your learner and see how they are feeling, i.e. nervous, anxious, excited, etc. Find out what could ease that transition for them and how you can support them. Including the possibility of viewing the classroom and school before the first day of school.
How to communicate effectively with teachers and school staff
Reach out to the school - as mentioned above, reach out to the school to go ahead and facilitate a collaborative relationship.
Document everything - document all communication between yourself and the team that way there are no misunderstandings and no information is misconstrued.
Inquire about their experience with the disability - ask about their experience working with your learner's disability and approaches they have had.
Ask for their recommendations - inquire about recommendations that they have for supporting your learner's transition back into the school setting and their classroom specifically.
The importance of a well-prepared IEP for the new school year
Review your learner's IEP - review your learner's IEP, what worked last year, and what didn't. If they were in ESY what worked, what didn't? Any regression during summer? Any new barriers or new strengths?
Set up an IEP Meeting - as mentioned above go ahead and get an IEP meeting on the calendar. If your Annual is coming up in the first half of the year go ahead and start prepping. It's never too early to prep.
Resources and tools for parents and children
Locate disability specific and special education websites - websites specific to your learner's disability and federal and state websites that discuss special education law.
Social Media Accounts - locate social media sites specific to your learner's disability and special education law as well as advocacy this is your access to free information.
Professional Development - seek out trainings, conferences, webinars, and summits to advocate for your learner at the IEP table and in the school setting.
Advocating for your neurodivergent learner is key to their educational success but also to their success in life. Making sure the spaces they enter are adapted for them when we know they aren't built for them can be stressful but rewarding. Never feel that you are alone in this process!
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