The end of summer brings a mix of emotions for families. While it's sad to say goodbye to long, sunny days, there's a buzz of excitement for the new school year! New teachers, new friends, and new opportunities await, and at Powerback Pediatrics, we're here to help you and your children navigate this transition smoothly and with confidence.
How can you best support your child's return to the classroom?
The back-to-school season is a perfect time to re-establish healthy routines that set kids up for success.
- Sleep Schedules: Summer often means later bedtimes and more flexible mornings. As school approaches, gradually shift your child's sleep schedule back to a routine that allows for a full night's rest. A well-rested child is more focused, better behaved, and has a stronger immune system.
- Healthy Eating: Start the school year off right with nutritious breakfasts and balanced packed lunches. A good breakfast fuels the brain, and a healthy lunch helps maintain energy levels throughout the afternoon. Consider involving your kids in meal planning and preparation to make it a fun activity.
- Physical Activity: While school involves sitting and learning, it's crucial to ensure your child stays active. Recess is a great start, but also try to encourage after-school activities like sports, playing at the park, or even just a family walk.
- Emotional Support: The new school year can be overwhelming for some children. They might worry about making friends, academic challenges, or new environments. Take the time to talk with them about their feelings, validate their concerns, and remind them that you are there to support them every step of the way.
How can I advocate for my child with special needs at school?
The start of a new school year can bring the excitement of new beginnings, but also a time of uncertainty and additional stress. It is especially critical for families of children with autism or other developmental disabilities to ensure that the supports put in place for your child are ready to go from day one. Here at Powerback Pediatrics, we believe that you are your child's most important advocate, and we're here to support you in that role.
Here are some key steps you can take to ensure a successful and supported start to the school year for your child:
- Review and Refresh Key Documents: Before school begins, take time to re-read your child's Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan. Familiarize yourself with the goals, accommodations, and services outlined in the plan. If any part of it needs updating based on your child's progress or summer experiences, make a note of it and request a meeting with your child’s educational team right away.
- Proactively Connect with the New Teacher and Staff: Don't wait for the first parent-teacher conference. Reach out to your child's new teacher, and any support staff (e.g., special education teacher, paraprofessional, speech therapist), as soon as possible. A brief, introductory email or phone call can make a world of difference.
In your communication to your child's new teacher and staff, consider including the following:
- Share a bit about your child’s personality, interests, and strengths.
- Briefly summarize their disability or diagnosis and how it impacts them in the classroom.
- Highlight one or two key accommodations that are most important for their success.
- Express your excitement to partner with the teacher and staff for a great year.
If you need help with developing this communication or a brief “about me” sheet to share with your educational team, please coordinate with your Powerback Pediatrics BCBA. They can provide you with updates on all of the things we have been working on over the summer and goals for transitioning those skills to the classroom.
- Schedule a "Get to Know You" Meeting: If possible, request a brief meeting with the teacher and support staff before the first day of school. You can bring supporting documents, previous therapy records, and your child’s about me sheet to this meeting. If you feel that additional support would be helpful in the meeting, please let your BCBA or Client Advocate know. We are happy to attend the meetings as a collaborative partner and advocate for your child’s success.
This meeting can be a great opportunity to connect and discuss the following:
- Discuss Accommodations: Go through the IEP or 504 Plan together and talk about how accommodations will be implemented in their specific classroom. For example, if your child needs a sensory break, discuss what that looks like.
- Share Important Insights: You are the expert on your child. Share what triggers anxiety, what motivates them, their communication style, and what specific strategies have worked well in the past.
- Establish a Communication Plan: Decide on a preferred method of communication (e.g., a daily log, a weekly email, a specific app) and a frequency that works for everyone. Consistent communication is the foundation of a strong parent-teacher partnership.
- Introduce Your Child: A brief meeting prior to the start of the year will allow your child to familiarize themself with the teacher, the classroom, and the school building. You can talk to them about what the first day of school will look like and who will be there to better prepare them.
- Build Your Toolkit: Work with your BCBA to determine if a visual schedule or social story is appropriate for helping your child prepare for the first day and transition into their new school year routine.
- Empower Your Child As your child gets older, it's important to help them develop self-advocacy skills. Talk to them about their IEP or 504 Plan in an age-appropriate way. Help them understand what accommodations they are entitled to and how to respectfully ask for what they need.
We are so excited for all the amazing things your children will learn and achieve this school year! The start of a new school year is a fresh start and an opportunity for everyone to learn and grow together. By being proactive and communicative, you can help lay the groundwork for a successful, inclusive, and joyful school year for your child. If you have any questions or want to talk about how our services can support your child in optimizing their learning experience, please don't hesitate to contact us.
Powerback Pediatrics is committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate care for your children. Interested in learning more about the additional support we can offer as you start the school year? Fill out our referral form today!
