It’s that time again! The beginning of a new school year often brings excitement, but also anxiety (for both your child and you), especially if your child has special needs. Don’t be scared to talk to your child’s teacher at the beginning of the school year. Though it is a busy time of the year for everyone, including the teachers, it is important that everyone is aware of your child’s needs and how to make this school year a success for everyone.
Following are some tips and suggestions to assist families in transitioning into the 2024-2025 school year.
1. Preparing your student for the first day: Some tips to help your child transition would be to visit the school and meet the new teacher before the first day of school. Putting a face to a name helps the child feel more comfortable with the new teacher. Be prepared with all of the school supplies and summer homework that is assigned for the first day of school. Your child will be able to walk into the classroom prepared and ready for the new year.
2. Review your child’s IEP/504 Plan. It has likely been several months since your annual review meeting. It is a good idea to review your child’s IEP or 504 Plan with a fresh perspective and the benefit of time. Does everything in the document still seem appropriate? Is it clear who is responsible for implementing the various pieces in your child’s IEP/504 Plan? If you are uncertain or believe a change is warranted, you should request an IEP/504 Plan meeting to discuss your concerns and propose any changes.
Most important, if there are any outstanding items that were not addressed in the annual review meeting, or that were tabled until the fall, make note of them and send an email to the case manager asking to meet to address these items. September is a very busy month, so it is important to get a meeting on the calendar as soon as possible.
3. Introductions. Sending an email to your child’s teachers at the start of the school year can help introduce your child to them. The email should not only include a copy of your child’s IEP, but some of the wonderful things that make your child unique. Does your child love to fish, go to baseball games, or bake? Are particular things, like fire drills or recess, a challenge for them? This should not be a long list but is intended to introduce the teacher to your child outside of the black and white IEP filled with accommodations and modifications that they must implement. This can be extremely important for students who lack the ability to communicate effectively, providing teachers with topics or pathways to helping unlock a student’s potential. Also, ask the teacher what the expectations and priorities are for the students, so you can work with your child at home.
Above all, communication with your child’s teacher, case manager, and the school or district administration is vital to transitioning back to school and ensuring a productive school year. If you have any questions about strategies for communicating with your child’s teacher, case manager, or other staff members, please contact Manes & Weinberg, LLC. Our team is here to support you all year long! Make this school year a great year!
(973)376-7733
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www.manesweinberg.com
