Whether your child is starting at a new school this year, or sticking to the same schedule as last year, we’ve got some tips to help you manage their journey.Here are some tips that the Children’s Specialized Hospital’s Family Faculty members wanted to share to help you and your child with special needs have a great school year!
1. Help your child and their teacher adjust
"I talked and met with my son’s new teacher this year. I prepped her without overwhelming her about my son. I shared his likes, dislikes, motivators, stress triggers, helpful learning strategies and supports, etc. My son and I also toured the new school together so he felt more comfortable there. He and I talked about the name of his new school and teacher in the days leading up to the start of school.” Megan Fennelly, Family Faculty
2. Establish a Routine
“I would say the best advice that I could give parents is to try and establish a routine right from the start AND use a calendar. Establishing a routine for you and your child makes the craziness of life flow easier. Also, using a calendar helps tremendously when organizing your week to week activities and appointments.” Jessica Krill, Family Faculty
3. Organize a launch pad
“Choose a specific place in your home for all shoes, coats, hats, backpacks, etc. Essentially anything that is needed for the day should be in this area. It helps to have it close to the front door. It’s also good to have baskets, shelves, etc. to keep items organized and easy to find.” Carrie Snyder, Family Faculty
4. Get ready the night before
“The best thing that works for us is to get everything ready the night before. Work with your child to pick out an outfit for the next day, gather together any equipment that goes to and from school, and check that their backpack is ready with homework complete. If you’re packing lunch, have it all ready in the refrigerator to be put in the lunch box in the morning. Even have breakfast set up, whether it is the box of cereal and bowl/spoon on the table or just the place setting for what will be eaten…saves precious time!” Kathleen Garriques, Family Faculty
5. Have Patience
“Now it’s time for a little patience to give your child and their teacher time to get familiar with each other and settle into the new school routine. It is not easy, and I know that! I constantly wonder how my son is doing during the school day, however I remind myself that he is prepared and in good hands.” Megan Fennelly, Family Faculty