Whether your child with a disability is starting kindergarten or high school, there are things you can do now to ease that back-to-school stress your child [and you] may be feeling. 

Start the Conversation

A good place to start is talking with your child about the upcoming school year. Ask what they are excited about and if they have worries thinking about returning to school. These can be casual conversations, in the car or at lunch, over the next couple of weeks. Also take time think about your own concerns and the goals for your child this school year. 

Connect with Your Team

Do you know who your child’s teachers, therapists and paraprofessionals are for this fall semester? If not, call the school principal, introduce yourself and your child, and ask to be connected with your child’s new team. If their transportation will be changing, this is also a good time to confirm plans and make sure the bus driver has the information they need. 

Share Important Information

When you know who your school team members are, call or email them to set up a face-to-face meeting before school starts. This gives you the chance to share ideas, suggestions and tips for working with your child. Remember, IEPs or other plans do not always provide a complete picture of your child. You can share your child’s gifts and talents that will benefit their new classroom. Consider telling the team a story about a successful experience or classroom modification that made a difference. Also, ask about the best way to communicate: emails, texts, phone calls or notes home.

Share What has Changed

If your child’s medications, health, behavioral status or condition has changed over the summer, it’s important that school staff be informed. Before the school year starts, make sure the school nurse has the most current health details and that you sign a consent form so they can administer daily or as needed medications. They may also ask that you sign a Release of Information form so they can communicate with your child’s medical providers.

See the Department of Public Instruction’s School Nursing page for sample forms, including Emergency Action Plans, agreements for private nursing services and more. dpi.wi.gov/sspw/pupil-services/school-nurse/forms

Set High Expectations

The start of a new school year is a great time to make sure all your child’s school team members are on the same page. One of the most important things you can do as a parent and your child’s advocate is to communicate your goals and expectations. Aiming high for their academic and social success can set your child up for a great school year.

Meet the School Nurse, Social Worker and Psychologist

During the first few weeks of school make an effort to meet these important school staff members to share your ideas and concerns. Ask questions and don’t assume they know your child’s needs or medical conditions. They can answer questions about programs and supports that may increase your child’s participation at school.

Special Supplies or Modifications

Talk with teachers or other team members about the supplies, equipment or modifications that your child needs. Work with them to get these items before school starts. For example, a wiggle seat, headphones, writing tools or fidgets. Let the new teacher know what has worked well in the past.

What Helps on Day One

Before the first day, ask your child what he or she thinks will get the year off to a great start. Think about something your child could bring to school or that you could do to ease their anxiety. For example, plan to meet the bus driver, take a tour of the building, get early entry to your child’s classroom, or pack a special lunch.

Ideas from Families

• • • “As parents we need to make sure that the school team is set up for your child’s success all around. That means sharing important information about their disability to assure their wellbeing, both physically and mentally. Sometimes that means getting information from the doctor regarding an allergy or diagnosis, and sometimes that means sharing information on what they need specifically to stay healthy and be emotionally regulated.”
    • “Before my son started middle school I wrote a letter to his teachers. It helped make his learning disability more real and understandable, and helped to start a positive relationship with the school.”
    • “I created an ‘About Me’ photo album for my daughter (who is non-speaking) when she started kindergarten. It was a great way for the teachers and kids to get to know her.”
    • “I plan on sharing some resources with his team about Autism and ADHD, as well as updates and changes that happened over the summer.”
    • “I sent an email to my son’s team to update them on what he has been working on this summer, where he has made progress, what he continues to struggle with, and some of the fun things he has been doing in the past few months.”
    • From Family Voices of Wisconsin: Enjoy this time with your child! It goes by so fast.