Back-To-School Guide for Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities

by Jade McGuire, Former MSW Intern

Summer is winding down, and for families raising children with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (IDD), the back-to-school transition often requires a little extra planning. Whether your child is entering school for the first time or returning for another year, taking a few simple steps before the first day can help reduce anxiety, build confidence, and create a smoother transition for everyone involved.

One of the easiest and most effective ways to help your child get off to a successful start is by creating an "All About Me" page. This one-page introduction gives teachers, paraprofessionals, substitutes, bus drivers, and other school staff a quick snapshot of your child's strengths, communication style, interests, sensory needs, medical considerations, accommodations, assistive technology, and strategies that help them succeed. Sharing this information before the first day of school helps staff get to know your child as an individual from the very beginning.

The following is one example of an "All About Me" page. Every child is unique, so we encourage families to customize a page like this to highlight the information they believe will best help school staff understand and support their child from the very first day of school. 

You may also consider the following tips as you prepare for the new school year. Every child is different, so choose the strategies that best meet your child's unique needs.

Before School Starts

• Tour the school before the first day, if possible.

• Introduce yourself to your child's teacher and support staff and make sure you have their contact information.

• Give the “All About Me” page to your child’s teacher(s) and staff before school begins.

• Review transportation, drop-off, pick-up, and after-school plans before the first day.

• Complete all school paperwork (emergency contacts, permissions, medication forms, health plans, etc.) before the deadlines.

• Label backpacks, lunchboxes, water bottles, jackets, and other personal belongings.

• Keep extra school supplies and personal care items available at school.

• Practice the morning routine for several days before school starts.

• Keep a folder or binder for all important school papers.

  
  

Review Your Child's Supports and Accommodations

Before school begins, review your child's Individualized Education Program (IEP) or Section 504 Plan to ensure accommodations and supports continue to meet their needs. Consider discussing the following with the school:

• When special education and related services will begin. 

• Transportation accommodations, if applicable. 

• Health care plans, medication authorizations, seizure plans, allergy plans, or other medical supports. 

• Who will serve as your primary point of contact if concerns arise. 

• Whether assistive technology and communication devices are updated, charged, and ready for use.

• What paraprofessional support looks like for your child.

  
  

Prepare Your Child for Success

The following strategies can help your child feel more confident and ready for the new school year.

Visual Supports 

• Create a morning schedule that includes pictures or icons.

• Create a countdown calendar leading up to the first day of school.

• Use a “First-Then” board to help with transitions between activities.

Sensory Preparation

• Pack sensory supports such as noise-cancelling headphones, chewable fidgets, small or discreet fidget tools, tagless clothing, or other preferred sensory items in a labeled pouch

• Create a sensory break card your child can hand to a teacher when they need a break.

Assistive Technology

• Charge devices before the first day of school and send chargers, extra charging cables, or a portable power bank if needed.

• Install software updates and confirm that communication apps, accessibility features, and other programs are working properly.

• Label assistive technology devices and accessories with your child's name.

• Confirm that any school-provided assistive technology or communication devices will be available and ready on the first day of school.

• If your child uses an augmentative and alternative communication (AAC) device, update important vocabulary for the new school year, including teachers' names, classrooms, classmates, and school activities.

Practice Navigating the School

• Practice walking to classrooms, the cafeteria, playground, bus area, or carpool line.

• Practice opening lockers, if applicable.

• If your child rides the bus, review bus expectations and, if possible, introduce them to the bus driver before school begins.

  
  

Practice Self-Advocacy and Social Skills

Learning to recognize personal needs and communicate them is an important lifelong skill.

Practice at home:

• Asking questions.

• Asking for help.

• Requesting a break when feeling overwhelmed.

• Writing or dictating simple emails to teachers (for older students).

  
  

Discuss and practice:

• Personal boundaries and personal space.

• Saying "no" when appropriate.

• Identifying 2-3 trusted adults at school.

• Practicing common social conversations.

• Handling disagreements respectfully.

• Recognizing emotions through regular mood check-ins.

• Knowing when to walk away from an overwhelming situation.

  
  

School Back-Up Kit

Consider keeping a backup kit at school that can be used for everyday needs as well as unexpected situations. The kit may include:

• An extra set of labeled clothes (including socks, underwear, or other needed items).

• A small hygiene kit (deodorant, wipes, lip balm, menstrual products, etc.).

• Backup incontinence products and wipes, if applicable.

• Medical supplies (EpiPen®, inhaler, medications, gloves, etc.), if applicable.

• Two or three shelf-stable favorite snacks.

• A comfort item, such as a favorite small toy or family photo.

• If your child is nonspeaking or has limited verbal communication, include a communication card or other preferred tool, with pictures or phrases such as:

  • "I need help."

  • "I need a break."

  • "I'm hungry."

  • "I'm sad."

• A list of emergency contacts.

  
  

Establish a Communication Plan

Consider discussing the following with your child's teacher before school begins:

• The best way to communicate (email, communication notebook, phone call, etc.). 

• How often updates will be shared. 

• How behavior concerns or successes will be communicated. 

• Who should be contacted if questions or concerns arise during the school day. 

  
  

Final Thoughts

Every child is unique, and every family's back-to-school routine will look a little different. You don't have to implement every strategy at once. Even a few small preparations can make the first week of school more successful and less stressful for both you and your child.

Most importantly, celebrate the small victories. Whether it's riding the bus independently, meeting a new friend, successfully using a communication strategy, or simply making it through the first week, each accomplishment is an important step toward building confidence and independence.