As the summer comes to an end, we anticipate the return of another school year. With the back to school sales booming and families rushing about, there can be an overwhelming sense of dread for kiddos with disabilities, and their parents too! A new school year can mean new classmates, an unfamiliar schedule, or even a new school. Never fear, here are a few tips to keep you and your child a head of the game as you prepare for the coming school year!
Ask For Accommodations:
For parents whose students still have a 504 plan or an IEP, review those plans before the school year begins, typically a month to 3 weeks in advance. In higher learning, universities and community colleges have an ADA office where students set up a meeting and accommodations are given to students. This meeting should be set up a few weeks before the semester starts. Make sure you are also filling out the required paperwork if necessary for each semester.
For students who need access to ramps or other mobility structures, contact the school or go in person to see exactly where they are. Seeing things like this before hand can ease any nerves about finding or using them once the school year starts.
Start Your Routine Early AND Stick To It:
Start you morning school routine a month or so early. Important things to include in your kiddo’s routine include, but are not limited to: wake time and bedtime, mealtimes (breakfast, lunch, dinner, snacks), work and/or school, homework, hygiene (showering, brushing teeth, etc.), and chores. Not all of these elements need to be included as everyone’s needs are different, but it is great practice especially if you are adding in new responsibilities to the day. Putting events into a calendar on your phone is a good idea as well. There are a variety of apps that have a calendar function or reminders in them.
Get Organized:
How to become and stay organized varies from person to person. While some kiddos’ parents may prefer to use a planner or calendar, others may find a checklist works well. Kiddos benefit from color coded binders, notebooks, and folders. Practicing keeping their spaces tidy is also a key factor in staying organized. This may include their room, desk, or locker. Staying organized helps kiddos from becoming overwhelmed when they cannot find something they need and creates a sense of stability going into a new situation as well.
Show Them You are excited:
Sometimes it is easier to teach by example. Express your excitement about the new school year and point out the exciting opportunities and activities your child has to look forward to. Ask your child what most excites him/her, and make shopping for school supplies fun. Also communicate that change is good! New friends and new teachers give us an opportunity to learn about others as well as ourselves and class material.
Review your child’s strengths. Then you can lead the conversation in more difficult areas for some children. “How did we manage the new school year last year? What did we do that really helped?” It’s important to highlight strategies that worked in the past and positive memories from previous school years.