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Springtime Planning for Transitions

Author: Courtney Kowalczyk, M.Ed. Author Ranking Blue | Posted: 20-04-2008 | Comments: 0 | Views: 6 | Rating:  (50) Article Popularity - Green (?) Got a Question? Ask.
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The sun is beginning to shine, and the fresh smells of spring are upon us. This time of year is always a favorite of mine, whether I am at school working with my students or walking through the park with my son. As a special educator, this time of year is always busy in the school systems. Special educators, parents, and support staff alike generally meet together for an annual Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for the coming school year. For those of you who are unfamiliar with them, IEPs are usually completed in the spring for students receiving special education services. When preparing for IEPs, it is essential for parents and educators alike to think about the conclusion of the current school year and the beginning of the next, and how they will support the child during this time.

During moments of transition from grade to grade, classroom to classroom, or school to summer, many children with disabilities begin to feel uncertain about what is to come for them in the future. This uncertainty can lead to increased in anxiety, which can be manifested in many different ways. As educators and parents, it is very important to plan not only for the upcoming school year, but also for the transitions in between. Here are several suggestions to make those transitions easier and less stressful for everyone involved:

Communicate with the child that the school year is coming to an end, and that summer will be approaching. This is a good time to discuss moving on to a new teacher, saying good-bye to the current teacher, and ways for maintaining friendships over the summer.

Include the child in the planning process as it draws near. It is important to ask him/her what he/she would like to learn and from whom in the next school year. For educators, asking for student input is very important. We want our students to feel empowered, that they have an impact on what happens to them in the future.

Make decisions as a team. It is important for educators and parents alike to make informed decisions regarding placement for the coming school year. Having received input from the child, parents and educators should discuss the best options for success.

Make a plan for the summer. It is very useful for students with disabilities to see a visual of how the transition will take place. You can draw a map for the summer, or write important dates on a calendar (for example when school ends, summer events, meeting the new teacher, when school will begin again, etc.).

Guide the child through the transition. It will be important to guide the child in how to say goodbye to this year’s teachers and classmates appropriately. It will also be important, especially for parents, to guide their child through their summer routine whether at home, on vacation, or attending summer school.

Gear up for the coming school year. During the several weeks prior to the start of school, it is beneficial to take your child to his or her school, introduce him/her to the new teacher, and allow him/her to familiarize him/herself with the new surroundings. It may also be beneficial to set-up a time to meet with the new teacher(s) to discuss the child’s needs, and what he or she can expect during the first days of school. By doing this, you will be able to help prepare your child for what he/she can expect when school begins again.

In following these steps, transitions from school to summer and then to school again can be less stressful and more enjoyable for everyone involved. As educators and parents, it is important for us to support our children, and guide them in successfully dealing with transitions.

“Nothing is secure but life, transition, the energizing spirit.” (Ralph Waldo Emerson)

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Courtney Kowalczyk, M.Ed.About the Author:

Autism specialist Courtney Kowalczyk, of the Horizons Developmental Remediation Center, provides practical information and advice for families living with autism and other developmental disabilities. If you are ready to reduce your stress level, enrich your child’s development, and improve your family’s quality of life, get your FREE reports now at ==> www.HorizonsDRC.com

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What Should I Do?
By: JohnWill | 05-08-2008
What Should I Do? I am trying hard to be in my child's life but the girl is still under her mom's influence. Her mother feels i am goin to run off with the baby, or take full custody or even shake my son to death. my son's mother does not have here real dad in the picture and i believe they think i will do the same even when im am showing that i am here but they pushing me to wanna leave! i don't want them to say i am a deadbeat dad or i am not trying, my son is 3 months old. i really don't want to go through all the back doors because i feel like it's gonna make things harder and i am re-enlisting in the servicce. i was trying to get help within to get housing but the mother will not sign papers of acknowledgement that i am the father, they feel i am goin to try n get custody but i can do that with the birth certificate?

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At what age can a minor decide which parent they ...
By: Sharry | 03-08-2008
At what age can a minor decide which parent they want to live with?

My sister and her 15 year old daughter do not get ...
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My sister and her 15 year old daughter do not get along at all and my sister has asked me to take custody of her, what type of legal paper's will we need to file. Also her father was never put on the birth certificate and has never had anything to do with her physically or financially, will his permission have to be obtained?

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