Getting Ready to Start School with a Child with Developmental Disabilities
The start of a new school year always brings a mix of excitement and nerves. For families of children with developmental disabilities, that transition can feel even bigger. New classrooms, teachers, routines, and social settings can create both opportunities and challenges. The good news? With some planning, communication, and preparation, you can help set your child up for a successful school year.
- Start with Communication
Reach out early to your child’s teacher, special education team, or case manager. Share what works best for your child—favorite calming strategies, motivators, and triggers. A simple “snapshot” about your child’s strengths and needs can help staff build trust from day one. This also can be done on an index card to turn into the teacher, so they have a visual platform for the year. A fun activity is have your child have interview questions ready for the teacher (such as, what is your favorite color? Do you have any pets?) This helps give the child a semi-structured conversation the first time of meeting the teacher.
- Review IEPs or 504 Plans
Take time before school starts to read through your child’s current Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan. Make sure the goals, accommodations, and services still reflect your child’s needs. If anything feels outdated, ask about scheduling a meeting early in the semester. Also, it is essential to let the teachers know about the accommodations and foster open communication with the teacher if there are any changes that need to be made to the plan during the school year to assist your child further to ensure academic success.
- Practice Routines at Home
New schedules can feel overwhelming. In the weeks leading up to school, begin practicing morning routines—waking up, getting dressed, eating breakfast, and packing a bag. For children who thrive on structure, using a visual schedule or checklist can help build comfort and independence. Have your child create a “wake up game” for the household, where everyone wakes up at a certain time and does a fun activity, such as hide-and-seek, walk like an elephant, or I spy game. This makes mornings fun and will encourage your child to wake up excited for the day.
- Visit the School Ahead of Time
If possible, schedule a school visit before the first day. Walking the halls, finding the classroom, and meeting teachers can ease anxiety for both you and your child. Even a short visit can make the first day feel less intimidating. Have your child take the lead and having them give you are tour or point out things familiar to them is essential in building their self-confidence. Make sure to comment on how amazing it is your child was able to find a certain classroom and know what a number line is on the wall.
- Prepare for Social Transitions
School is as much about relationships as it is about academics. Role-play common social scenarios at home—greeting a teacher, asking a friend to play, or requesting help. If your child uses communication devices or supports, practice them in “school-like” situations. Viewing social skills videos will assist your child on understanding how to interact with other and can even play specific scenarios they may encounter in the academic setting. An example of a social story can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LFxFs2p66ig. Board games are a fun way to create certain social skills such as sharing, turn taking, and conversational skills.
- Partner with the Team
Remember, you’re not in this alone. Teachers, therapists, aides, and administrators all want your child to succeed. Building a collaborative partnership helps ensure everyone is working toward the same goals. Regular check-ins—whether by email, phone, or a communication notebook—can make a big difference. Your child’s support team is stronger by numbers. The more people working together, the more encouragement and consistent support your child will receive.
- Focus on Strengths
| Types of Strengths | |||
| Category | Examples | ||
| Emotional Strengths | Empathy, self-awareness, emotional regulation | ||
| Social Strengths | Communication, teamwork, conflict resolution | ||
| Creative Strengths |
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| Cognitive Strengths | Logic, memory, critical thinking | ||
| Behavioral Strengths | Behavioral Strengths | ||
Every child has unique gifts. Share what your child loves, what excites them, and what motivates them to learn. Helping staff see your child’s strengths, not just challenges, sets the tone for a more positive school experience. When children are recognized for what they do well, they feel valued and capable. This will build a strong sense of self-worth and helps them take on new challenges. A strength-based approach creates a more encouraging and empowering academic environment for your child.
- Take Care of Yourself, Too
Starting school can be stressful for parents. Give yourself permission to feel the nerves, but also celebrate this milestone. Finding parent support groups, leaning on friends, or even scheduling a few minutes each day for yourself can help you stay grounded. Celebrate the small wins of parenting every day (did your child make it to school on time? Did you remember to pack your child’s lunch? etc). As a parent, make sure you set boundaries and do not over extend your time. It is okay to protect your time and your family’s time. Remember, parenting does not need to be perfection but rather purposeful. Your child is always learning from you!
Final Thought:
The beginning of a new school year is the start of a new chapter—for you, your child, and the team supporting them. With preparation, advocacy, and encouragement, your child can grow, learn, and thrive in their school environment.
Authored by:
Dr. Lindsey Reichert, Director of Evaluation and Counseling Services