Going back to school can lead to feelings of anticipation and worry for students, parents, and teachers alike. As a parent, you are the “captain” of your child’s individualized education program (IEP) team! Preparing and communicating effectively with your child and teachers before the first day will provide a structured “game plan” to start the school year off right.
Prepare
Below are four ways you can prepare yourself and your child for the start of the school year.
Know your District’s Educational Options
Visit your district’s website to research traditional and online course options. What programs are being offered, and how might each affect your child’s individual learning needs and access to the curriculum? Be sure to check your school’s website for additional information.
Demystify the Back-to-School Transition
Talk to your child about the upcoming year and what her school day might look like. Will she be taking the bus to school or attending after-school programs? What might be the same and what might change? What is she excited about? What worries does she have? What were the highs and lows from last spring?
Establish a Daily Routine
Talk with your child about bedtimes and implement them prior to the first day. Discuss routines that develop independence with dressing, packing lunches, and organizing backpacks. Help your child create a personal learning space where he can organize, easily find, and take care of his learning tools. Consider a location that has easy access to outlets for charging technology.
Review Your Child’s IEP
What modifications and accommodations has the school agreed to provide? This list is your child’s “toolbox,” the supplies needed for accessing classwork. Are updates needed to address anything that has changed since the end of the last school year? Which items do you need at home? What questions or concerns do you have regarding progress toward IEP goals? What ideas, tips, and tricks can you contribute?
Action Items
Now that you have prepared for the school year, below are three ways you can take action.
Communicate with Your Child’s Teacher for the Visually Impaired
Assemble your child’s “toolbox” (e.g., braille or large-print books, assistive technology, low-tech items, magnification devices). Make a list of what is needed and who will acquire each item. Review the progress made on goals and the priority for starting the year. Ask your child’s teacher for the visually impaired (TVI) about the expanded core curriculum (ECC) and tips for working on skills at home. Confirm the specifics of direct service delivery: location, days and times, necessary materials, and parent involvement expectations.
Visit Your Child’s School
Drive, walk, or bike the route from home and explore the public schoolgrounds. Locate the bus and drop-off areas, front entry, playground, outdoor picnic tables, etc. If possible, coordinate with your orientation and mobility instructor to navigate inside. Identify classrooms, label your child’s locker, and walk the routes to community spaces (cafeteria, lunchroom, auditorium, library, bathrooms).
Meet Your Child’s Classroom Teacher
Participate in back-to-school programming and respond to school communications. Try scheduling a meeting with your child’s teacher(s). During the meeting, showcase your child’s strengths, interests, and needs with a personal “story,” letter, or video; provide a copy of the IEP; express any concerns you have; and share your ideas. Highlight the services, accommodations, and supports your child needs to succeed and offer to help where you can. Ask what classroom supplies will be needed and demonstrate some of the vision-specific items from your child’s “toolbox.” Be supportive and offer collaboration.
- Resource: Student Report: What’s Your Story? [PDF]
Back-to-School Resources
Michigan Department of Education – Low Incidence Outreach:
- Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC)
- Individualized Education Program: Parent’s Role [PDF]
- Student Report: What’s Your Story? [PDF]
Lighthouse Guild:
American Printing House for the Blind (APH) ConnectCenter:
National Federation of the Blind - National Organization of Parents of Blind Children Division: