Back to School Tips

A new school year means a new grade, new teachers, and sometimes even a new school. This can also mean anxiety for some kids and their parents. Here are some back-to-school tips for parents of kids who have disabilities: 

1. Talk about positive memories of past school years. This can foster your child’s interest in taking part.
2. Talk to your child about their new school, teachers, and friends.
3. Go school supply shopping with your child. Let them choose the school supplies they want.
4. Visit the classroom(s). It is helpful for your child to be familiar with their classroom.
5. Meet the teacher and class aides. Help them get to know your child as an individual and know their needs.
6. If your child uses transportation, make sure everyone knows what will happen and what to do. Set up several practice trips so everyone is comfortable with the experience.
7. Set up a new school year binder or folder to keep your child’s school documents organized.
8. Get a communication log ready to give to the teacher.
9. Start adding more structure to the daily routine such as an earlier bedtime.
10. Start slowly transitioning away from the television and all electronics.

Switching from a summer to a school schedule can be stressful for everyone. Ease your child into their new routine. Start practicing several days before the first day of school. Avoid the first day of school anxiety by helping your child be ready and at ease with the changes.

Make a back to school "Night Before" tradition. Ask your child what they would like to do. Let them suggest the activity to make the evening special to them. Some ideas might be a movie and popcorn night or maybe pizza or getting a new book to start reading before bedtime. This will help your child be excited about going back to school.

Part of getting your child ready for school is also getting the school ready for your child. So stay calm, stay positive, and make it fun! Enjoy the last few days of summer!

There is a wide variety of information available to help parents in the Education and Schools section.