Back-to-School: Be Prepared and Have FUN!
Going back to school is always a fun and exciting time of year. For our family going back to school was a day we planned out in detail so our daughter, Victoria, would feel as comfortable as possible on the first day back to school. Over the years I received some great tips that helped our family with that first week of school:
Start preparing at least a week before school starts by getting your child to bed early and waking early in order to establish a routine for first day of school.
If your child struggles with transition request a staffing meeting before the first day of school, visit the school and tour your child’s new classroom, cafeteria, check out the playground, gym, etc. so that your child is familiar with the new surroundings. This is a good time to make sure the new teacher has a copy of your child’s IEP.
Meet with the teacher and find out your child’s schedule and create a transition book with everything they will be doing during the day at school. If possible, take a photo of your child and their new teacher to include in the book. Have lots of visuals and prompts that will help them as they get accustomed to their new classroom.
Make sure your child has seen their pediatrician and that you have all medications filled and notes written for the school nurse including any food allergies, etc.
One of my favorites each year… to write the teacher a brief letter telling them about your child, attach a photo and include the things your child likes, favorite color, favorite movie, activities they enjoy, perhaps include information about things they are sensitive to (ie. loud noises, certain smells), and if they get overstimulated what are some of the things you do to help calm down your child during those moments. Make sure in the letter you include any food allergies and medications your child might need to take while at school, just in case the school nurse is running behind on the first day.
If this is the first time your child is going to school, include a photo of your family or a favorite pet in their backpack in case they get a little homesick that first week. Photos can be very calming to many children.
Be Involved with your child and their school let the school know and that you there to work with them as a team for the benefit of your child.
In the week leading up to school talk to your child frequently about going to school. Talk about the fun they will having making new friends and learning lots of new things. Even if you get a lot of “no’s” continue to share with them what they will learn and what to expect.
If your child will be riding a bus (regular bus or special needs bus), call the transportation department the week before and make sure they have your child on the list, verify the bus number and make sure the first day you have any necessary paperwork filled out.
Most of all as a parent you need to relax and be as calm as possible, many children can see our anxiety so take a deep breath and enjoy this new adventure.
By Kameron Chicoine
Publisher, Exceptional Kids