BACK TO SCHOOL

BACK TO SCHOOL SUCCESS

Practical Advice and Tools to Set Your Child Up for a Great Year

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The start of a new school year brings excitement, anticipation, and a few nerves. For parents and caregivers of children with intellectual and developmental disabilities, this time can feel especially complex. You’re not alone in feelings of anxiety or overwhelm!

The following text provides advice and recommendations for various strategies and tools to use when navigating a new school year. 

 

CREATING ROUTINES AND SUPPORTS

Having a regular routine can make changes easier and help your child feel calm. If your summer schedule has been more relaxed, now is a great time to gently shift back into a school day rhythm.

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🏠 Start with Simple Routines
Creating regular routines helps your child feel calm and ready for the day.
  • Use a morning checklist: wake up, eat breakfast, get dressed.
  • Try a visual schedule with pictures or drawings.
  • Add sensory supports like quiet time or a favorite fidget.

 

🌞 Shift Back to School Mode
If summer has been relaxed, now’s a good time to ease into school routines.
  • Set a regular wake-up time.
  • Practice getting ready in the morning.
  • Walk to the bus stop at the usual time.
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Don’t be afraid to make it fun! Try doing things like playing “I Spy,” listening to music, and/or tossing a ball while you wait.

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🗣 Talk About What’s Coming
Help your child know what to expect:
“Next week, we’ll stand here until your bus comes. Then you’ll hop on, find your seat, and head to school!”
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Another great way to facilitate this conversation is with social stories! A social story serves an opportunity for a child to walk through the pieces of going back to school and talk about how it makes them think or feel. We’ve attached two great free social stories here, there’s also many that can be found on google. Back To School Social Story, Back to School Social Story for Special Education

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💬 Support Big Feelings
If your child feels worried or sad, let them know it’s okay.
“I hear you’re upset. Are you feeling scared or frustrated? It’s okay to feel that way—summer ending can be sad!”
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Then remind them of the good things ahead such as seeing friends, learning new things, or enjoying favorite activities like gym or art class.

UNDERSTANDING YOUR CHILD'S NEEDS AT HOME AND SCHOOL

Kids often act differently at home than they do at school. Something that feels hard at home might be easier at school—and the other way around.
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💡 Changes Can Be Tough

You might notice your child losing some skills or showing tough behaviors again. That’s okay! It doesn’t mean you’re doing anything wrong. It’s just their way of handling change. Give yourself and your child extra kindness during this time.
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🤝 Share What Works

If you’ve found tricks that help at home, tell your child’s teacher or support team. They might have ideas to share with you, too. Everyone’s working together to help your child do their best.
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📄 Try an “All About Me” Sheet

This is a simple way to help teachers and staff understand your child better. You can include:
  • What your child likes and doesn’t like
  • Medical needs
  • Signs your child is upset and how to help
  • How your child communicates
  • Your contact info and how you like to be reached

Access our free All About Me Sheets here: All About Me Form – Black and White,  All About Me Form – Purple,  All About Me Form – Green

COLLABORATING WITH CSE TEAM

🧑‍🤝‍🧑 You’re a Key Part of the Team

Your child’s school team—called the Committee on Special Education (CSE)—is there to help. But remember you know your child best, and your voice matters.
“Think of your CSE as a team, not a panel. Share stories, share what you’ve seen, and speak up.”
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🗓 Stay Involved and Informed

You can help the team by:
  • Making a list of things to talk about at meetings
  • Planning regular check-ins with teachers or staff
  • Asking questions if something isn’t clear

TRANSITION PLANNING FOR THE YEAR AHEAD

🎯 Growing Goals for a Growing Child

As your child grows, their goals should grow too. Don’t let last year’s IEP goals carry over without checking them first.
“Your child is growing, and their goals should grow, too.”
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🧠 Think Ahead

Now’s a great time to start thinking about what’s next:
  • Summer programs
  • Planning for life after high school
  • Learning new skills

MOVING FORWARD

💪 You Make a Big Difference

You are your child’s biggest helper. What you do matters!
To stay organized and confident:
  • Use checklists to keep track of tasks
  • Try a simple planner for school dates and notes
  • Talk with teachers early to stay in the loop

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Your support will help make sure your child feels safe and ready to learn.

 Together, you and your team can make this school year a confident, joyful, and successful one for you and your child.

Click here to watch a Back-to-School Webinar: Back to School: Preparing for a Successful Year

Also Check Out the Back-to-School Checklist Below: