We understand that a new school year can bring feelings of excitement and anticipation, but for medically complex families it can also provoke feelings of anxiety. As families prepare to head back into the new school year, we wanted to provide you with some helpful tips to start the year off on the right foot!

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9 Tips for Back to School

1. Talk About It: This is a simple one—regularly discuss with your child about starting or going back to school, their new routines and people they will be interacting with. A graphic with pictures can also be a useful tool to ease any anxieties!

2. Start the Routine Early: Begin allowing your child to get used to their new morning and school routine early to help relieve the transition.

3. Reach out to Staff: Personally connect with your child’s team prior to the first day. This can be a quick e-mail or request a meeting in person.

4. Visit the Classroom: Allow your child to familiarize themselves with their new classroom and surroundings prior to the first day of school. If “Meet the Teacher” is too overwhelming or distracting, contact the school and ask for a private tour.

5. Create an Info Sheet: Help your child’s team get to know them better by creating a “Meet Me” sheet. This can include things like your child’s likes/dislikes, medications/allergies, medical team information, your family structure and pets, triggers or things to watch for, the best ways to calm them or de-escalate a situation. Find an example here.

6. Establish Social Support: Connect with other families at the school or hire an advocate for social support. Ask if your school has a private Facebook group, join a local SSD group, or seek out the free or private services of a professional advocate that specializes in providing support and advocacy services to families with IEPs, 504s and more.

7. Get Organized: With so much paperwork, it’s easy to get overwhelmed. Grab a tabbed binder and organize any paperwork that is still lying around from last year (IEPs, progress reports, communication logs, report cards, school calendar, etc.) and set yourself up for organizational success for the new year.

8. Stay Informed: Keep up to date on what is going on in the world of special education. Things are always changing and it’s a great way to ensure you continue to advocate for your child with the most up to date tools and information. 9. Ask for Help: Don’t be afraid to seek additional help if needed! There are disability advocates who specialize in providing support and advocacy services for families with IEPs and 504s. There are private contractors, as well as free local services available, such as F.A.C.T., MPACT and Sunnyhill.

Wishing all of our families a year of joy, growth and special memories!