Getting Back into the Groove!
Parents,
The first day of school is right around the corner! Although most of you may have been anxiously anticipating your kids going back to school for a few weeks now, it is usually not an easy transition for them. With all of the uncertainties that come with the start of a new school year, on the first day of school you may find your children complaining about feeling sick, acting out, and just flat out refusing to go to school. The truth is, the demands of being in a regular school environment are a little more difficult for students with learning differences. Not knowing what to expect on the first day may trigger symptoms of anxiety, social anxiety, and cause kids to panic. Here are some helpful tips to help your little ones get back into the groove and transition from lazy summer days to a rigorous school routine:
1) Prepare the Night Before
It is crucial that your child knows the routine for the start of the school day the night before.That way when they wake up, they are ready to go! Your child can help you put together a list of important items that he/she must have to ensure a successful first day of school. All school supplies, important documentation that needs to be returned to school, and lunch/lunch money (if necessary) should be on the list. It would be helpful to have all of those items packed away in your child's backpack the night before (except for their lunch) so that they are not feeling rushed the next morning.
2) Know What to Expect
Knowing what to expect on the first day is also crucial to help ease any anxiety that children may have on the first day of school. Students should know what time they are getting up for school in the morning, what mode of transportation they will be taking (school bus, bike with a friend, carpool, etc.), any special events that will take place (school assembly, rally, etc.) and also what time the school day ends and how they will be getting home. Many schools have before school and after school care programs. It is important to let your children know if they will be attending any of these programs and what to expect. If you notice that your child is feeling anxious on the first day (or at anytime), please communicate that to your child's teacher and/or the school administration staff so that they can help your child feel safe and comfortable once at school.
3)Keep Everyone Informed
Your child's IEP is the most important piece to meeting their educational needs. It is their educational plan and all decisions made by teachers concerning you child's instructional needs are derived from their IEP. It is important to explain to your child what types of services they can expect to receive at school (speech, social work, reading intervention, pull-out/push-in instruction) and from whom. Also, if your child had any testing done over the summer, has started taking medication, or is receiving any outside counseling or therapeutic services, it is important to inform the school or your child's special education teacher. This will ensure that all related services personnel are on the same page and working together to help your child to be successful.
4)Educate Yourself
Since IDEA (the Individuals With Disabilities Act) was enacted by Congress in 1975 and recent amendments were passed by Congress in December 2004, special education has come a long way in this country and all over the world. It is important as a parent of child who has an IEP to stay up to date on special education news and legislation so that you can better advocate for your child. It is also important to have conversations with your child about how they learn best so that they can better advocate for themselves in school and in life.
For more helpful tips on starting the school year right, check out this link to Reading Rockets Back-to-School Tips http://www.readingrockets.org/article/back-school-tips-parents-children-special-needs
