Preparing for Back-to-School

Back-to-school time is approaching faster than some families want, while others are ready to embrace the predictable school routine again. This time of year can be exciting, chaotic, and filled with nerves. For families and students who receive special education services or accommodations, this time of year is important to set up a successful school year. Here are a few suggestions for parents to consider as their child begins a new school year-

1. Prepare for Communication- Set up a separate email (or file in your personal email) specifically for communicating with school personnel. This will help you organize and find important communication and documents regarding your child at school.

2. IEP/504 Records Binder- Organize (or set up) your child's educational records binder. For me, this binder holds all school documents for my children's accommodations, documents, evaluations, progress monitoring, report cards, procedural safeguards, and other documents that pertain to my children's school needs. This may also include current and past IEPs/504s, district evaluations, outside evaluations, IEP progress reports, etc. My binder is in chronological order, so I add a new divider tab for the 2024-2025 school year.

3. Review Previous IEP/504- After organizing the records binder, I also review their IEP/504 and evaluation/current medical records. It helps to review the final IEP progress report from the past spring, and the goals from the previous school year. I take notes on what was successful and areas for improvement. I also write down goals I want to see for my children during the upcoming school year.

4. At A Glance- I like to create (or update) a document or Google Slides that captures an overview of my child's educational needs. This is a short introduction about my children and their IEP/504. I include general information about my children so that the teachers see more than the IEP/504. I want the teachers to know that they are individuals first, and not defined by their diagnosis/disability. Then I include their diagnosis, impacts on daily life/school life, current accommodations and goals, and my child's areas of strength and areas where they will need to be supported. *As my children have gotten older, they help complete this every fall and email it to their teachers themselves.

5. Vision and Parent Input- I draft my goals and visions of what I want for my children during the upcoming school year. This includes academic goals, successful accommodations/services, social-emotional goals, and areas of concern that I have. I include my children in this as well, they are a valuable part of the team! Having this drafted allows more time to think about it outside of time constraints from the school. I also like to do this before the school year starts so that I have a fresh view (and one that's not negative yet!)

6. Contact- I wait to email the school and teachers until I know they are back in school, but before the day before school starts! The beginning of the school year is beyond busy for teachers (I know from experience!). I don't email the first day they're back in the building either. However, I like to give them a few days to review my child's information before they meet in person. I use this email to introduce myself and my child(ren), provide the Google Slides/At A Glance document, and ask who will be their case manager and point of contact. *With older children, I have them email their teachers directly, while I email the school staff about the case manager/point of contact.
   

Starting the school year organized and prepared allows me (and my children) to enjoy this season instead of surrounding it with anxiety and worry. It also helps begin a positive relationship with the school and teachers.

I wish students, parents, and teachers a Happy Back-to-School!