Preparing | FamiliesInTransition

Preparing For School

No matter who you, are going to school can be a big change for the family, especially for kids who have never been to school or daycare before.

School

Communication

Before your child's first day comes up with a communication plan to share information easily between home and school.

Ideas in communication tips

Visit

Before their first day, ask if you and your child can visit the school/classroom.

If only you can visit, take pictures for your child to see, tell them about books and toys you see in the room. *Always ask before taking pictures*
After your child is enrolled reach out to the principal about finding a time to visit.

If you are not able to visit drive by the school with your child, walk around the grounds of the school on the weekend or use their playground when its open.

People

Before your child's first day get comfortable with the new people at the school.

Once you know the school, reach out to the principal or case manager and ask who will be on your child's team. Including;
- Service providers (OTs, PTs, SLPs, SW, etc)
- Teachers- special education and/or general education
- Any aides in the classroom
- Other school staff like gym or art teachers, office staff, or nurses.
Ask if you can have pictures of any of the staff members to share with your child.

Home

Routine

School is built on routine and schedule. Having your child on a regular routine before starting school will help them get used to following a routine. This will make the transition easier. A routine might look like;

Waking up and going to sleep at around the same time every day
Eating around the same times throughout the day
Having a usual morning and evening schedule; getting dressed, bathing, brushing teeth etc.
Going on an outing in the morning; to therapy, the store, library, park, etc., and playing at home in the afternoon.

Once you know the school and time your child will be at school you can adjust the routine to fit if needed.

Creating a routine is hard. But once they are used to it most kids thrive on a regular routine. Use visuals, timers, reminders, calendars, planners, and choices to get started.

Rules

Schools also have lots of rules to help keep everyone safe. Its important for your child to get used to rules to help them adjust.

What kind of rules?

The kind of rules doesn't matter so much as enforcing any type logical rules as you want for your home. But common school rules like cleaning up after yourself, raising your hand to speak, drawing on the paper, using kind words and gentle hands etc. are great rules to work on enforcing.

Activities

Doing activities at home or in your community is a great way to get ready for school!

Social: Learning to be with other kids is a huge part of school, and can be a big transition. Use these activities to get started!
- Go to a Chicago Public Library play group event. Look for one near you here
- Play at the playground when other families are there.
- Ask your early intervention therapist for suggestions as well.
Tabletop
- Lots of school activities are done on desks, such as crafts, puzzles, and academic activities like writing. Your child can practice doing activities like this at the table at home.
- Ask for therapist for help with adapting activities for your child.

Transition Support

Emotional Support

If your child has a preferred regulation strategy, such as taking deep breaths, listening to a special song, a chewy, or using a sensory support like a compression vest, inform their teacher of the tool or send it with them to school.
Celebrate their progress! Preschool is a huge step and it is okay to make it special.
Send your child with a familiar comfort object for the first few weeks, such as a favorite small stuffed animal or a picture of the family.
Support and validate their feelings. Its natural to want to say "its okay" or "don't be sad", but instead try to give them space to feel those feelings while reminding them that they are strong enough to do this.

Understand the Change

Help your child understand the change coming up.

Use a social story to help explain what will happen
- Try these social stories from Autism Little Learners

School Social Story

Read books about starting school together
- Hello Preschool! By Priscilla Burris
- Open the Preschool Door by Christopher Santoro- An interactive open the flap book
- Rosie Goes to Preschool by Karen Katz- from a child's perspective!
- Llama Llama Misses Mama by Anna Dewdney- a familiar character misses his mom on the first day of school.
- Daniel Tiger Goes to School by Becky Friedman- a familiar character starts preschool. Also has songs!
- Bye Bye Time by Elizabeth Verdick- a book about saying goodbye before school.
Use a visual schedule with your child so help them understand the different parts of the school day.

Caregiver Tips

After/during Transition

The first few weeks may be difficult, and things will go wrong. When that happens try to;
- Take a deep breath, and relax. Don't give up on the whole experience because of one or two bad moments. Over time this get easier.
- Communicate with the right people.
  - For example, speak to your child's nurse about a medication issue, or the transportation company about a bussing issue. Work together to find a solution.
- Ask for help
  - Ask other parents, teachers, administrators, or your case manager for help if you continue to feel concerned. Building this community is essential to you and your child's sense of belonging.

Emotional Support

This transition is a big change for you too and you may feel very emotional. That reaction is very natural, but it is important to follow a few tips.

Feeling sad and scared might make you want to avoid getting started but remember transitions are a part of life. Working to make this transition positive will help pave the way for future transitions.
Try to speak positively at home about the upcoming transition. Children will pick up on any anxiety around the transition, which might make it more difficult for them.
Join support groups with other caregivers or look for therapy options for yourself.
Practice self care throughout the transition process. Click here for the self care resource page.

Families in Transition

Preparing For School

School

Communication

Home

Routine

Transition Support

Emotional Support

Caregiver Tips

After/during Transition

Families in
Transition