Preparing for the First Day at a New Special Education School: 3 Tips

The school year is fast approaching. That means many parents of children with special needs are gearing up for their first year in a special needs school. Even if your child is enrolled in one of the top special education schools, it can be overwhelming for students and parents alive.

But there is no reason for you to stay overwhelmed. Since the first Special Education law was enacted in 1977, there has been a swelling of students served by special needs programs by 81%. Thanks to those who have gone before, resources and wisdom are available to help ease your anxiety and smooth their transition.

This post is designed to give you a few tips to help to that end.

Try to Enthuse Your Child

Take the time to talk to your child about the parts of the school experience that will most excite them. Setting expectations is important as it will allow most children to adapt more quickly to the school environment.

If your child has attended another school previously, start by helping the understand that they are going somewhere new. Frequent communication will help them feel more comfortable and more likely to express any concerns or fears they might have.

This post is designed to give you a few tips to help to that end.

Try to Enthuse Your Child

Take the time to talk to your child about the parts of the school experience that will most excite them. Setting expectations is important as it will allow most children to adapt more quickly to the school environment.

If your child has attended another school previously, start by helping the understand that they are going somewhere new. Frequent communication will help them feel more comfortable and more likely to express any concerns or fears they might have.

Attend a Tour

If you can, it is helpful to let your child experience the school in a low-stress environment: fewer other students and distractions. Allowing your child to get a feel for the space can be a great bridge in their adjustment to the new school.

It can also be helpful to introduce your child to the teacher and other key team members. Engendering trust in a stranger can be hard, but the more you expedite the process, the simpler the first day of school will be.

Establish a Routine

In the time leading up to the first day of school, begin to establish the routine your child will have at school. Replicate the proper wake-up and bedtimes, try to provide lunch when the school with, and generally help their body adjust to the changes.

Preparing for the first day of school can be nerve wracking for any parent. That is especially true if your child is beginning at one of your local private schools for special needs children, even if it’s considered a top special education school.

With the steps listed above, you can help your child adjust and prepare for the challenges and adventures they face. A new school year should be an exciting adventure, and these tips can ensure that both you and your child see it that way.

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We are looking forward to welcoming our students when school begins on Wednesday, September 4, 2024.
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