Back to School is Around the Corner

It’s hard to believe that it is almost “that” time of year again…. back to school. Although it is an exciting time for most, it can also be a stressful time for kids and families, in particular for families with a special needs child. CCRN is here to assist in alleviating your stress by offering support and suggestions that will help prepare your child for school.

We understand how overwhelming it can be for everyone. The start of of a new year includes a lot of unknowns and unfamiliarity, which ultimate creates stress on the family. This Blog should help guide you with a few key steps you can take now to get organized before school begins.

Organize the paperwork and information that you will need to provide to the school team.
Schedule a team meeting now to review action plans, and ensure everyone is well versed on your child’s needs.

You are your child’s greatest advocate. By taking active steps to educate the entire team in one meeting, you can prepare them on how best to support your child. This preparation will increase the chances of a successful transition into the new school year.

We are here to provide the extra support you need. Call CCRN. Let’s discuss the best ways to ensure your child will be well cared for. We can work directly with the school and follow- through with them, offer additional suggestions and strategies, to ensure your child’s overall success.

In the meantime, to help alleviate some of stress, we have compiled a list of suggestions for you to use at home with your child. We hope you will find these useful!

Discuss with your child any questions or concerns he or she may be feeling;
Begin the school-morning routine at least one week before school starts. This could include a new bedtime, as well practicing walking to the bus;
Figure out something small that your child may want to bring to school that will be familiar, comforting, reassuring and that reminds them of home;
Start a written communication log (i.e., spiral notebook, etc.) that will help to keep your team updated on any changes with your child, or factors that may impact the first few days of school, and vice versa;
Write a social story including pictures of the school, classroom, etc., to increase your child’s understanding of what to expect, and or request the school team to assist when possible;
Send your child to school with a visual schedule and or checklist of the day;
Before the school year begins, arrange to take your child on a tour of the school. It is often beneficial to locate new classrooms, library, cafeteria, gym, and restrooms;
If your school allows it, you may even want to set up a tour of the bus including an introductory meeting with the driver;
Consider developing what is referred to as a Sensory Tool Box to send with your child to school. Some items you might want to include are: