The beginning of a new school year brings about many changes. There is a new grade, teachers, and new goals. I am sure some of you have done this a million times, while others are just learning how to get the kids ready for school. In order to help you transition into this school year, I have developed a list to guide you through the process.
First and foremost,
Organize all your paperwork
Special Education has a lot of paperwork and important documents. Please make sure you know where all of these documents are and if you have not done so already, place them in a binder. This will help you be organized and track important dates, documents, and meetings that may be coming up during the year.
Create a calendar
Staying informed about all the upcoming dates, such as IEP meetings, conferences, and/or trainings is critical. Make sure you know when your child's next IEP meeting is coming up and what you need to do in order to prepare for it. Creating a communication log is also a great idea. Having a child with services requires a lot of communication between parents and teachers. Keeping a record of when and how you have contacted the school is important. When emailing or calling, jot down the date and time.
Review the current IEP
Make sure you have a current understanding of the IEP. Look for when the IEP expires and when the date for reevaluation is coming up, so that you are fully prepared for the meeting. Gather all the important information prior to the meeting and constantly check your children's homework folders for letters from school. Also, please send back any required forms that need to be signed in a timely manner.
Establish a routine
Students should be fully aware of what their every day routine looks like during the year. They should be well-prepared for the morning and after school activities. Practice these routines, so that your child is on schedule and knows what he or she is supposed to be doing before and after school. Sometimes, especially children with Autism, have trouble adjusting to new or unexpected routines. Please give them enough warning to make them fully aware of the changes to come.
Be informed about Special Education
Know your child's needs and disability! Research, whenever possible, as laws and requirements are constantly changing. Be the best advocate for your children. They need you to help support them. Keep up with the most current news, events, and attend conferences to help you stay informed.
Most importantly,
Be involved
Knowing how and what your children are doing in school is critical. Constantly attend parent-teacher conferences. Keep in contact with the teachers and stay informed on the progress of your child. Let the teachers know what you feel your child needs in order to help him or her attain goals. After all, parents know their children best, so please keep the teachers informed about your child and tell us anything you think would benefit.
First and foremost,
Organize all your paperwork
Special Education has a lot of paperwork and important documents. Please make sure you know where all of these documents are and if you have not done so already, place them in a binder. This will help you be organized and track important dates, documents, and meetings that may be coming up during the year.
Create a calendar
Staying informed about all the upcoming dates, such as IEP meetings, conferences, and/or trainings is critical. Make sure you know when your child's next IEP meeting is coming up and what you need to do in order to prepare for it. Creating a communication log is also a great idea. Having a child with services requires a lot of communication between parents and teachers. Keeping a record of when and how you have contacted the school is important. When emailing or calling, jot down the date and time.
Review the current IEP
Make sure you have a current understanding of the IEP. Look for when the IEP expires and when the date for reevaluation is coming up, so that you are fully prepared for the meeting. Gather all the important information prior to the meeting and constantly check your children's homework folders for letters from school. Also, please send back any required forms that need to be signed in a timely manner.
Establish a routine
Students should be fully aware of what their every day routine looks like during the year. They should be well-prepared for the morning and after school activities. Practice these routines, so that your child is on schedule and knows what he or she is supposed to be doing before and after school. Sometimes, especially children with Autism, have trouble adjusting to new or unexpected routines. Please give them enough warning to make them fully aware of the changes to come.
Be informed about Special Education
Know your child's needs and disability! Research, whenever possible, as laws and requirements are constantly changing. Be the best advocate for your children. They need you to help support them. Keep up with the most current news, events, and attend conferences to help you stay informed.
Most importantly,
Be involved
Knowing how and what your children are doing in school is critical. Constantly attend parent-teacher conferences. Keep in contact with the teachers and stay informed on the progress of your child. Let the teachers know what you feel your child needs in order to help him or her attain goals. After all, parents know their children best, so please keep the teachers informed about your child and tell us anything you think would benefit.