By: Sharon Jurman, NJ/PA Special Educator, Teacher of the Handicapped, Director of Behavioral Programs NJ – NeurAbilities

1. Talk about the upcoming school year with your child; the fun things they will do, friends they will see, new teachers

2. Visit the school and classroom before the term begins to prepare your child for a new environment. Walk the halls, practice using lockers or cubbies, show them where bathrooms are, meet teachers/aides/therapists

3. If your child will ride a district vehicle to and from school, drive the route the bus will take so your child can become familiar, talk about things they can see on the bus route

4. Make a binder where you can place all your child’s important education documents and have them easily at hand for meetings; IEP, therapy notes, progress reports, evaluations, medical reports

5. Review the IEP to be sure you know what services your child is entitled to and when they will be scheduled during the week

6. Keep a log where you document communications you have with school district personnel; emails, phone memos, dates of parent conferences

7. Attend events where you can learn of any changes coming to the district or schools, proposed changes to special education laws, or have the opportunity to confer or talk with other parents or education professionals who can answer questions or just listen