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Welcome back, parents!
As the school bells ring and lunch boxes and backpacks are prepared, we understand that the back-to-school season can be both exciting and overwhelming, especially if your child has special needs. Here are a couple of Behavior Resources’ favorite tips for a successful school year!
Meet your child’s teacher and other members of their care team
- Keep an eye out for orientation or back-to-school night dates. This allows you to meet the teacher and any associated team members (paraprofessionals, speech therapists, occupational therapists, etc.). You will also meet your child’s bus driver on the first day of school, If applicable.
Establish the best way to communicate with the teacher
- Does your child’s teacher prefer email, text, or a school specific mobile app like Seesaw or Class Dojo? Keeping an open line of communication is essential because not only does it allows the teacher to reach you but also gives you a direct channel to your child’s team if you felt the need to inform them of any upcoming transitions or new behaviors you’ve observed at home.
- Some families may also benefit from a daily log. This can be as simple as quick checkbox form with the option to add notes that details the events of your child’s day. Here’s an example:
Let the school and/or teacher know that your child is receiving ABA services at home
- Your behavior management team wants to work cooperatively with your child’s school! School and ABA goals can often overlap; this is a good thing since consistency between environments and professionals is key for successful and sustainable behavioral changes. You may also consider sharing the most recent ABA update report with your child’s teacher.
- We recommend you share any current behavior intervention plans (BIP) with your child’s teacher. The BIP details what behaviors are being targeted at home, outlines prevention measures, and explains what to do if challenging behavior occurs.
- Feel free to share your child’s BCBA contact information with their teacher. Your ABA team will make sure a release of information is signed before speaking to the school and will only do so with your approval. If a signed release is on file, your ABA team and teacher can collaborate for the best outcome.
Understand your child’s IEP
- An Individualized Education Plan (IEP) is your child’s personalized roadmap for education success. It outlines the specific services, accommodations, and goals tailored to your child’s unique needs. As you prepare for the new school year, make sure to review the current IEP to familiarize yourself with your child’s learning goals and the support they’ll receive in the classroom.
As you and your family embark on this new school year, remember that you’re not alone! You can help to create a positive and successful educational experience for your child with special needs by building a strong partnership with your child’s teachers and ABA team, understanding the IEP plan, and maintaining effective communication with those invested in helping your child learn and develop. Here’s to a fantastic school year ahead!