This post was taken from the Utah Family Voices August 2011 Newsletter. I thought it was valuable information to pass along to our families.
"Hopefully everyone has had a relaxing, fun summer so that you are re-fueled and ready to start a new and exciting school year! Whoo-Hoo!
Okay, maybe I sound a little over-excited, but it is time, definitely time, for my kids to go back to school! When you think of being "ready" for the school year, what does that mean to you?
It starts with registration day - I try to pick up our registration papers after the actual day they open for registration-to get in and out quickly, and I do not bring my son in with me.My son has autism, and bringing him into the school before the first day makes him confused and upset. He knows where his classroom is, and no matter how many times I tell him we are only there to sign papers, he wants to start school that day.
What else does a parent of a child with special health care needs think about before school starts? Of course we think about getting new shoes, and maybe some new clothes, supplies, etc., but what else?
I think about IEP Goals, and his Health Care Plan. What has changed over the summer, and should I make sure his IEP and Health Care Plan reflect those changes? YES, and I don't wait for someone else to ask me about it.
Sometimes kids make progress over the summer, and you should always make sure the teacher knows about the progress. This can make a difference in how they go about working with your child, and can reduce frustrations your child may have. For example, if your child has mastered something over the summer that they were working on before school ended, he may not want to keep working on it when he starts his new school year. If your child has communication issues, this may be something he has a very hard time communicating, and may react. Remember, we all want to come back to school to learn new things, and have a fresh start. No matter what disability your child has, they probably feel the same.
If your child has a non-verbal speech impairment, or social struggles, it is a good idea to give the teacher a list of the things they did over the summer (fishing, swimming, travel, play, etc.). Most kids come back to school and talk with their peers and teachers about what they did during break. If someone knows these things, they can ask your child and give them the opportunity to engage in the "back to school" conversations with everyone else.
Next - Does your child have a Health Care Plan at school? Have there been changes with his/her health? Have you made any changes with his prescription medication? This is something you want to make sure you have changed as soon as possible. Normal protocol would be for the school nurse to contact you and ask these questions, but remember, the start of school is busy for everyone - especially our school nurses, so if you do not receive a call, give them a call and make the arrangements to update the Health Care Plan. When changes are made to the Health Care Plan the school nurse will ask you to approve sign the revised copy. At this time you can look over the whole plan and make sure it reflects the changes made. You may also want to look over the whole plan to make sure it is still appropriate for the new school year."
Here's to a great school year and much success for our kids!
For more information on School Health Care Plans, go to:
Duplication Cares is committed to supporting families with children diagnosed with 7q11.23 Duplication Syndrome, as well as being dedicated to raising awareness in the medical community about the existence and treatment of this disorder.
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