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It’s almost here – the first day of school! For so many families, it’s a time of excitement and nerves. It can also create anxiety or trigger past trauma, and even under the best of circumstances the return to school can still be bumpy for a student with disabilities.
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Here are a few things to think about and do in anticipation of the first day:
- Find out when that first day is – will your child be attending on the first day of school? Often schools will ‘suggest’ that your child may be more comfortable attending a few days or even a few weeks later instead, and sometimes you won’t find this out until very close to the date. And some families choose a later transition because they know that this is what will work best for their child. Just know that it’s your child’s right to be educated alongside their classmates and the school should be prepared to receive them on the first day alongside every other child.
- Review your child’s IEP document. When was the last time it was updated? Was it a useful document with SMART goals? Or does it follow the new competency-based IEP format? In which case, were you and your child active participants in it’s development? Were goals achieved and revisited through the year? If the answers are more in the ‘no’ column, it may be useful to make some notes of some goals you think would be reasonable for your child to achieve, and bring them in to discuss with the principal before school starts. The teacher needs to have these tools in hand to give your child the best start in their classroom.
- Write a ‘getting to know me’ letter on behalf of your child – if they are ready to do so, support them in helping to write it themselves. This letter should contain some positive things that the teacher, EA and students will enjoy about your child, some things that are challenging for them that should be noted, and some things your child is interested in, things they find motivational, and what they are looking forward to this school year. Here’s a useful tool we like, by Champions for Community Wellness: Back to School Cheat Sheet
- The week before school starts, make a social story with your child that will create a visual map of what to expect. It can include a basic morning routine, getting to school, what to expect during the school day, the schedule for meals and breaks, leaving school to go home or to an activity, etc. You can include information around potential triggers and remind your child of their strategies to manage their stress. You should also indicate how the routine will change, and if needed take time to transition them from summer activities to the new schedule and structure at home as well as at school.
- If possible, arrange with the principal/teacher to visit the new classroom a couple of days before school starts. If your child is in middle or high school, try to arrange with the principal to rehearse the routine of going from class to class and navigating the halls, opening their locker, etc. Ask for any additional support that may be needed.
- Establish an early bond with the teacher and EA – form an alliance – ‘Team Child” – you’re all on the same side of the table together finding ways to bring out the best in your child and optimize their learning.
- Review your child’s rights. Every child has the right to equitable access to education. The Moore case, and Hewko set certain precedents around the supports being the ramp to access, and instructional control. Human rights law and the School Act enshrine the right to equitable access to education, and further prescribe non-discrimination.
- Try to have a positive attitude about school for your child’s sake. Talk about things you think will be exciting for them, and support them to think of things that they are excited about. They may have worries they need to discuss as well and you can help them to work through these and offer reassurance that you will be there to support them every day.
Your child deserves to participate fully in all activities and educational programming at school. For support and more information now and throughout the year, search on Facebook for access to our private Facebook group for BC parents and guardians of students with disabilities and complex learners, or email us at bcedaccess@gmail.com. I hope your child has a great year!