9 Things to Do Before the School Year

1. Review Your Child's Current IEP or 504 Plan

The accommodations children receive need to reflect the challenges of the new school year. Review which educational goals have been met and identify any remaining trouble spots. Schedule a team meeting and bring relevant documents like report cards, notes from teachers, and tests to illustrate your child’s current achievement levels. Discuss what worked last year and set new accommodations and goals for this year. This process is part of our services and one that Kevin is essential for Kevin to be a part of. 

2. Scout the School

Reduce your child's anxiety by doing a walkthrough of the school before the year starts. Locate the classrooms and find essential locations like bathrooms, the auditorium, nurse’s office, and gym. If your child travels from class to class, walk them through her schedule.

3. Organize School Systems Together

Identify your child's biggest organizational challenges and develop solutions before classes begin. Visit an office supply store for materials designed for organizing papers, supplies, and time. Choose systems that your child can easily manage both at school and at home. For example, use pocket folders labeled for work to be completed on the left and finished work on the right. A locker shelf can help organize books according to the daily class schedule.

4. Create a Home Staging Area

Choose an area near the door and equip it with open cubbies, baskets, and hooks. This should be the home for books, homework, backpacks, notes, sports bags, keys, lunches, and other school-related articles. A large whiteboard can help your child remember tasks and items. An alarm clock or timer will also help them get out the door on time.

5. Stock Up On School Supplies

Assume your child will eventually need items like poster board or a protractor. Buy lots of supplies now and store them where you can easily find them later. To get a sense of the projects your child will need supplies for, talk with Kevin or a parent of a child who's one grade ahead of yours.

6. Plan Your Child's After-School Activities

Consider physical activities like sports or dance if your child needs more physical activity. Activities such as martial arts, mainstream sports, and various clubs that integrate peer-to-peer interaction can help with focus and increase social skills. 

7. Make a Calendar with Your Child

Discuss daily, weekly, and monthly schedules to give your child a sense of control over their lives. Agree on routines before and after school, extracurricular activities, and social events. The more input your child has about their schedule, the more likely they are to adhere to it.

8. Review Your Child's Medication

If your child was off medication during the summer, consider restarting it a week or two before school begins. Consult with your doctor to discuss whether medication changes are needed due to puberty or increased school demands.

9. Set Learning Goals Together

Sit down with your child and brainstorm goals for the upcoming school year. Let them talk while you listen. Focus on strengths as well as areas needing improvement. Make goals attainable to empower your child to meet tougher challenges later. For younger children, have them answer questions like "I want to learn...", "I want to get better at...", and "My strengths and weaknesses are...".