Four Back-to-School Tips for Parents of Elementary and Middle School Students with I/DD
July 31, 2024
Before the first day of school, administrators, teachers, and support staff spend hours planning for the arrival of their students. But, even with all that planning, teachers and staff will often require additional information about your child with I/DD, especially if they are in a new school environment. If your child is new to their school, whether because of a move or because they’re entering kindergarten, middle school, or high school, providing thorough information on your child’s unique needs is key.
Rocky Mountain Human Services’ School & Community Liaison, Julianne Suby, shares four suggestions to set your child and family up for success this school year, no matter your child’s age.
1. Review details of IEP and 504 plans with relevant school staff
Toward the beginning of the school year, schedule time to review the key points in your child’s IEP or 504 plan with teachers and staff. During this meeting, provide information about their strengths, interests, and challenges, along with classroom-based strategies you know work well for your child. Be sure to include information and insights from past teachers. Such tips may include common social behaviors, effective sensory tools, calming methods, or phrases that your child responds to and understands. You know your child best and school staff will welcome your tips and desire to collaborate. Together, you can ensure opportunities for growth and celebration throughout the school year.
2. Create an effective communication strategy
Remember, communication is key! We have all heard the term ‘It takes a village to raise a child,’ and isn’t that true? The school community is an essential piece of your village. Creating a dedicated support network is vital to your child’s educational, emotional, and social success.
The key to ensuring a committed support network is creating open and honest communication with your child’s school support system. Ensure that their teacher(s) know you want to be a part of the team. Consider what you want to know and how you would like information shared with you. Then, establish who on the school team will be your best point of contact and establish a clear mode of communication early in the school year.
Based upon your child’s needs and goals, determine what information is most beneficial for you to know. Are transitions or mealtimes challenging? Are there specific goals or academics you value staying up to date with? Ask for updates of all kinds as successes and bumps in the road alike support in shaping a student’s growth. Working together as a team shows your child that their village is invested in their success.
Consider the frequency of communication as well, then discuss this need with your child’s teacher(s). Would you like daily or weekly communication? Back-and-forth books are a positive way for teachers and guardians of elementary-aged children to stay connected and share critical information with one another on a routine basis. Learn if your child’s teacher typically reaches out via email or phone and make sure your child’s teachers know the easiest way to reach you. With the increasing availability of educational technology, teachers can now use platforms with multilingual texting capabilities to communicate as well, which is great for families whose home language is not English.
Your student could also benefit from participating in these communications. Include them and ask for their feedback when discussing topics you are sharing with the school. Adding their voice will aid them in developing communication, reading, and writing skills, and enhance their recall abilities. Involving your child in daily or weekly communications will also provide them with a sense of ownership and accountability.
3. Embrace community
Creating a healthy social network for your child with I/DD is invaluable. Community immersion and inclusion helps to combat social isolation, enhance quality of life, and contributes to longer, happier lives for people with I/DD.
Collaborating with your RMHS case manager as well as other community groups can help enhance the size of your family’s support network and provide additional opportunities for growth. RMHS programs offer opportunities for community connection through resource navigation. Utilize the new school year to discuss goals, interests, and dreams with your RMHS team.
The Denver Mill Levy Program provides funding support that is just right for each individual to meet their specific needs. Options for support include:
- Respite: a much-need break for parents/caregivers
- Parent training and support
- Developmental toys and books
- Adaptive equipment and specialized items
- Basic needs like clothing, food, and diapers
- Social engagement such as preschool readiness and camps
Connect with your child’s case manager to discuss the many possibilities.
4. Engage in thoughtful conversations about the future
Most students feel like graduation or the end of their time in school is far enough away that it doesn’t feel real while also feeling a mixture of excitement and anxiety about the possibilities their futures after the classroom may hold. Capitalize on that excitement and plan evening conversations around what your child’s interests, hobbies, and passions that could lead to eventual pathways post-school.
Other key ways to help your high schooler with I/DD succeed in school include fostering opportunities to build and fortify social skills, encouraging student involvement in their IEP meetings, prioritizing self-care and life skills, and partnering with advocates through programs like the Family Support Services Program at RMHS.
Key takeaways for families with elementary and middle school students with I/DD
As the new school year commences, take time to consider options and what is most important to your child and family.
- Create a dedicated team and communicate with your student’s support system at school.
- Help your child make connections with peers and other community members who share common curiosities.
- Consider your child’s goals, interests, and desires when creating an extended support network.
- Discuss options in the months and years ahead and partner with your child and their school support system to establish goals so that taking steps to build their future takes place in the present.
- Work with your support team at RMHS throughout your child’s education.
To contact School & Community Liaison, Julianne Suby, directly, email her at jsuby@rmhumanservices.org to get connected with RMHS supports and services for children and youth. If you know a family who could benefit from RMHS supports, please share this article with them.
