• Build Strong Team Communication

Start the year off on the right foot by setting aside routine times to check in with your child's teacher.  Routine "check ins", even when (especially when) things are going well will promote good rapport and allow for the strengths of your child to be discussed.  This helps to pave the way for a solid foundation when behaviors or progress are poor, requiring more creative and flexible thinking during times of increased stress.  Discuss concerns as they arise, rather than letting things simmer, when interactions can become more emotional and less objective.  We suggest requesting a 10-minute check in every 2-3 weeks (make it easy for the teacher to coordinate with you by being available and offering to initiate the call once scheduled).  In general, ask the teacher about their preferred method to receive information (email, phone, voicemail) and ways to best share information with you.  Expect both parties to adhere to the schedule once it is agreed upon.  Of course, these "checks in" will not replace IEP team meetings, which may also be needed for the student to access appropriate services, but are in addition to these meetings in order to establish good team communication.

• Reinforce Team Efforts for the Student

We often remind families and school staff to utilize principles of learning in interactions with each other, thus to build a stronger team and better student progress.  It is important that school team efforts on the child's behalf are recognized (e.g., praise your teacher for quick responses to your concerns, for handling a challenging behavior per stated BIP, for working collaboratively with an outside provider, etc. etc.).  These efforts can go a long way and should not be overlooked.

• Offer to Provide Tangible Support

Especially at the start of the school year, during transition times like ESY, and when new staff members are added to the child's team, extra help from parents to organize items in the class, obtain needed materials, make copies, or serve as an activity volunteer is often welcome and shows a generous, open spirit.  Show willingness also to provide items or materials your child specifically needs (e.g., new reinforcers you have identified, laminated PECS icons/items for ESY team), within reason.  Be sure your desire is to support the team, rather than to get "inside" information.  Avoid gossip with those in the building and fellow parents.  Aside from being unprofessional, this can damage rapport with the school team and adversely affect positive advocacy efforts. 

• Expect Data Based Decisions

Though not a glamorous part of back to school efforts, data collection which matches IEP goals and Behavior Intervention Plan objectives is critical to student success!  It is absolutely essential.  Expect that data will drive educational decisions to stay the course or make a needed change.  A "baseline" comparison period can also be useful to determine effectiveness of a plan.  Also, we suggest that the team agree on a "criteria" for making systematic changes to the plan (e.g., increasing the time a student works on schedule by X minutes for every X days with success).  This can move an effective plan forward without necessity of frequent team meetings.  Expect data that are collected to be analyzed and graphed on a routine basis so that visual analysis of progress can be most useful for the entire team. 

• Provide Organization and Structure at Home

For most students with learning challenges, it is critical that an organized home environment is available for completing homework, weekly assignments and obtaining needed materials for the next day of school.  The structure should be consistent from day to day so that your child can predict expectations.  A dedicated area is needed for the student to complete this work, with materials handy (e.g., caddy with pencils, scissors, tape, paperclips, pencil sharpener).  Teach the child to follow an afternoon schedule (e.g., arrive home, review agenda/make homework checklist, snack/brief break, complete homework (timed breaks as needed), parent  review, dinner, bedtime routine, quiet activity, lights out).  Sufficient sleep is important and is facilitated by an organized home learning environment.  Avoid the temptation to over schedule or over involve your child in extracurricular events.

As we write, October is upon us and the school year is fast underway.  Keep these tips in a handy place to serve as a reminder as the year progresses.  Best wishes for a wonderful and successful school year for all of you out there!