Back-to-School Checklist for Special Needs Parents

Read Time: 5 Min

 

Preparing for back-to-school season can be a busy and emotional time for families with children who have disabilities. Here’s a comprehensive checklist to help special needs parents stay organized and ensure a smooth transition to the school year: 

1. Review IEP/504 Plan

• • Schedule a meeting with the school to review or update the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or 504 Plan. 

• • Ensure accommodations, modifications, and support services are updated based on your child’s current needs. 

• • Discuss any changes in behavior, medical conditions, or therapy requirements. 

• • Confirm any assistive technology needs or tools for learning. 

2. Coordinate with Therapists and Service Providers

• • Contact speech, occupational, physical, or behavioral therapists to confirm upcoming sessions or changes in treatment plans. 

• • Share any updates from your child’s IEP or other educational documents with therapists for alignment. 

• • Set up or confirm transportation arrangements if therapy sessions are off-site. 

3. Organize Medical and Emergency Information

• • Ensure the school has up-to-date medical records, including any new diagnoses, medications, and treatment plans. 

• • Provide the school with emergency contact information and specific instructions regarding your child’s medical needs. 

• • Review and update an emergency care plan for things like seizures, allergies, or other conditions. 

4. Prepare School Supplies and Learning Tools

• • Review the school supply list and customize it with any additional tools your child may need, such as sensory items, noise-canceling headphones, or fidget toys. 

• • Ensure your child has the necessary school materials, such as adaptive tools, notebooks, or any special equipment. 

• • Consider organizing a system to help your child manage their materials, like labeled bins or color-coded folders. 

5. Check Transportation Arrangements

• • Confirm transportation details with the school or any special needs transportation service, including pick-up and drop-off times. 

• • Ensure that the vehicle or bus is equipped to meet any of your child’s specific needs (e.g., seating, wheelchair access). 

• • If your child has specific sensory needs during transportation, communicate those to the school. 

6. Prepare Your Child Emotionally

• • Discuss the upcoming school year with your child, addressing any anxieties or questions they may have. 

• • Practice routines that will help with transitions, such as waking up earlier, getting dressed, and packing a backpack. 

• • If your child has difficulty with social interactions, practice social scripts or role-playing scenarios. 

7. Meet with the School Staff

• • Schedule a meeting with the principal, teacher, and special education team to discuss any necessary support services. 

• • Provide important background information about your child, including learning styles, triggers, and strategies that work. 

• • Ask about school policies on bullying, behavior management, and how they handle emergencies related to your child’s disability. 

8. Review Financial Assistance and Benefits

• • Check if there are any available financial assistance programs for school supplies, uniforms, or special services. 

• • Review your child’s eligibility for government programs or tax breaks that may help with school-related costs. 

• • Confirm any changes in insurance coverage for therapies or medical needs during the school year. 

9. Create a Routine for the School Year

• • Establish a consistent daily routine, including wake-up time, meals, homework time, and bedtime. 

• • Consider your child’s sensory needs and make adjustments to the environment, such as calming techniques or sensory breaks. 

• • Plan for weekly or monthly check-ins with teachers and other staff to ensure everything is going smoothly. 

10. Plan for Extracurricular Activities and Social Events

• • Review any after-school programs or social activities that your child may participate in and ensure they’re accessible. 

• • If your child struggles with socializing, consider setting up playdates or smaller group activities to build social skills. 

• • Ensure that any extracurricular programs are equipped to meet your child’s needs, such as providing a quiet space or specialized care. 

11. Check for Available Community Resources 

• • Research local resources or support groups for families with children with disabilities. 

• • Look into any new community programs, services, or events that may benefit your child this school year. Check out Clover Leaf’s Guide for Community Resources

• • Keep a list of helpful contacts, including educational advocates or specialists who can assist if any issues arise. 

12. Maintain Communication with School Staff

• • Set up a communication plan with teachers, aides, and support staff to ensure regular updates on your child’s progress. 

• • Keep lines of communication open, especially if any changes or challenges arise during the year. 

• • Provide feedback on what strategies are working and what adjustments may be necessary. 

13. Focus on Self-Care

• • Make sure you’re taking care of yourself as well. Parenting a child with disabilities can be overwhelming, so don’t forget to carve out time for rest and self-care. 

• • Reach out for support if you need it, whether from friends, family, or professional resources. 

• • Maintain a balance between supporting your child’s needs and finding time for your own well-being. 

 

By following this checklist, special needs parents can stay organized and ensure their children have the tools, support, and care they need for a successful school year.