Tag: school tips ASD

IEP strategies to start the school year strong 

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Tips for parents, schools, and providers to work together 

If your child has an individualized education program (IEP), the start of a new school year can bring both excitement and a long to-do list. Between fresh school supplies and new routines, it is also the best time to revisit your child’s plan, build strong relationships with the school team, and set up supports for success. 

Here are practical ways families, schools, and providers can work together to make the most of the year ahead. 

Review your child’s IEP 

Read your child’s IEP from start to finish. Generally, the IEP from the last school year covers the start of the following year. Review the IEP from the last meeting. Refresh yourself on key details, such as: 

  • Goals for the year 
  • Services and supports listed 
  • The person responsible for each service 
  • Accommodations in the classroom 

Sometimes, it can take a few weeks for schools to get services scheduled, but accommodations should be available and honored at the start of the year. For example, assistive technology should be in place. If any part of your child’s IEP is unclear, ask the school for clarification. Use plain language when talking about goals and services so everyone (teachers, aides, and your child) understands what your child’s plan includes. 

Build a strong team connection 

An IEP works best when parents, providers, and teachers share the same vision. Early in the year: 

  • Introduce yourself to your child’s new teacher and any specialists 
  • Share a short summary about your child’s strengths, challenges, and what works best for them 
  • Set a preferred method of communication, such as email, phone, or a notebook sent home 

Consistent communication helps prevent misunderstandings. 

Set up for smooth transitions 

Transitions, such as moving between activities, classrooms, or grades, can be tricky for kids on the autism spectrum. Work with the school to: 

  • Preview new routines or schedules with your child 
  • Visit the classroom before school starts 
  • Use visual schedules or social stories to explain changes 

When everyone knows what is coming next, children can adjust more easily and with less stress. 

Track progress together 

Do not wait for the annual IEP meeting to check progress. Schedule regular updates with the school and share notes from any outside providers, such as applied behavior analysis (ABA) therapists. 

If you notice your child struggling with a goal, request a meeting to adjust supports or strategies. Early changes can help keep your child on track. 

Know your rights and resources 

Federal law gives children with disabilities the right to a free, appropriate public education, including special education and related services that meet their individual needs. 

If you are unsure about your child’s rights, connect with a local advocacy group or parent organization. They can walk you through the process, join you for meetings, and help you get the support you need. 

Make it a team effort 

IEPs are most successful when everyone works together. That includes parents, school staff, and providers. At LEARN Behavioral, we partner with families and schools to apply evidence-based ABA strategies that help children build skills, reach their goals, and thrive in and out of the classroom. 

Looking for more support with your child’s IEP this school year? 

Our team at LEARN Behavioral can work alongside you and your child’s school to help create a plan that meets their unique needs. Contact us today to learn how we can partner with you to set your child up for success. 

This School Year, Build a Trusting Relationship with Your Child’s Teacher

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by Katherine Johnson, M.S., BCBA
Senior Director of Partnerships, LEARN Behavioral

Building a strong relationship with your child’s teacher can benefit everyone involved. In fact, studies show that parental involvement in a child’s schooling boosts their motivation and performance. Parents with positive ties to their child’s teacher can learn more about the school environment, which can help them better understand and support their child. Meanwhile, teachers benefit by having another person on the educational “team” who can provide helpful information and context about the child’s learning history and home environment.

How, then, can you nurture this valuable alliance? Here are some things to consider.

Communicate regularly and respectfully.

As with any relationship, communication is key. Reach out to the teacher early on, and be sure to connect consistently throughout the school year. Before you send that 50-page missive though, find out the teacher’s preferred method of communication. There are so many ways to be in touch these days: email, communication logs, phone calls, chatting before or after school. Some teachers even text with parents or ask that they communicate through special apps. With all of these methods, teachers can become overwhelmed, and your thoughts become less helpful and more stressful. So, however your child’s teacher likes to exchange information, respect their preferences. Share your goals with the teacher and make sure you understand their expectations. And as important as it is to be thoughtful about how to best share your own thoughts, the most important piece of communication is always: LISTEN!

Build good-will.

Make sure your child’s teacher feels respected and appreciated. Whenever you have a chance to recognize their hard work, don’t be shy—reach out and tell them. Teacher Appreciation Week isn’t until May; make it your mission to offer words and gestures of appreciation throughout the year. Teachers are juggling a myriad of things: children, lesson plans, IEPs, and state regulations, just to name a few. Find out how you can be useful to them and help wherever you can, whether it’s sending in a few extra boxes of tissues or volunteering to come in and help with materials. You can also show your respect for their time by preparing for meetings, organizing your thoughts ahead of time, and adhering to the meeting times.

Handle concerns with respect.

No matter how great the teacher, there are often bumps along the way. When this happens, take your concerns to the teacher first. Don’t go over their head until after you’ve tried to resolve things first.  Schedule a meeting to discuss your concerns, and arrive with an open mind and a collaborative attitude. Share your perspective, with the understanding that it is just that: your perspective. Ask for the teacher’s perspective and take the time to listen thoughtfully. Practice active listening by restating your understanding of the teacher’s important points. This will not only make the teacher happy but also help you listen more closely so you can better grasp their position.

Just as your child works to build a relationship with their new teacher, you can work to build a relationship, too, starting with these steps. Keep in mind the old adage, “communication is a two-way street,” and know that most teachers want to hear from you and consider you a partner in your child’s education. Although you may, at times, want to fire off a heated email, move forward with patience and respect for the teacher’s workload and preferred methods of communication, knowing that listening is a critical part of the process—and key to your success.

Looking for more advice on making the school year a success? Read “10 Tips to Transition Kids with Autism Back to In-Person School.”