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As the back-to-school season approaches, families with children who have special needs face unique challenges. Preparing for the new school year involves more than just buying supplies and picking out new clothes—it requires careful planning, organization, and communication to ensure that students receive the accommodations and support they need to succeed.

The Westchester Independent Living Center (WILC) and its satellite office, Putnam Independent Living Services (PILS), offer resources and advocacy to help families navigate these complexities. Jessica Baumann, Director of Educational Advocacy Services at WILC and PILS, shares essential tips on how to prepare students with special needs for the new academic year:

Review Your Child’s IEP or 504 Plan — One of the most crucial steps to take is to thoroughly review your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 Plan. This document outlines the accommodations and services your child is entitled to receive, and it’s important to ensure everything is still aligned with their needs.

“Discuss the IEP or 504 Plan with your child,” says Baumann. “It’s important for them to understand what accommodations, supports, and services they should expect.” By empowering your child with this knowledge, they can advocate for themselves and be more aware of the resources available to them.

Encourage self-advocacy — Go over your child’s IEP or 504 plan with them. Explain the accommodations, supports, and or services they are supposed to receive. “Ask your child what supports and services they feel they need to be successful. Encourage your child to ask for help when needed.”

Communication is Key — If your child is transitioning to a new school or has a new teacher, open lines of communication early. Baumann recommends writing a short, one-page which can include information about any difficulties your child experienced last year, what strategies were successful or unsuccessful, and your preferred method of contact.

“Parents should also ask teachers how they prefer to be contacted,” says Baumann. “Establishing this early on ensures a smooth flow of communication throughout the year, allowing for any concerns to be addressed promptly.”

Reduce Anxiety with a Walk-Through — Starting a new school year can be an anxious time for any student, especially those with special needs. Baumann suggests scheduling a walk-through of your child’s school.

“Familiarizing your child with the school layout can significantly reduce anxiety,” she explains. “Walk together to find important locations like classrooms, lockers, bathrooms, and the nurse’s office.” For students transitioning between classes, doing a walk-through of their daily schedule can be particularly helpful.

Organize and Reflect — Take the time to organize key documents like past report cards, progress reports, teacher notes, and test results. Reviewing these will help you identify which educational goals have been met and which still need work.

“Organizing these documents not only gives you a clear sense of your child’s progress,” says Baumann, “but also ensures you’re prepared for discussions with teachers or administrators about areas that still need support.”

Tackle Organizational Challenges — Many students with special needs struggle with organization, which can make the transition back to school even more challenging. Baumann advises addressing these challenges before the school year starts.

“Set up a calendar and begin discussing daily, weekly, and monthly schedules with your child,” she says. “By creating an organized system ahead of time, you’re helping your child manage their time and workload more effectively.”

After-School Activities — Research has shown that high-intensity after-school activities can benefit students with special needs by improving their focus and attention both in and out of the classroom. Baumann encourages families to review and register for after-school programs that might be of interest to their child.

“These activities provide structure and help children develop essential social and cognitive skills,” she explains. “It’s worth exploring options early to find programs that align with your child’s interests and needs.”

Find Additional Support, if Necessary — If you believe your child might benefit from extra support, such as a tutor or homework help, Baumann suggests seeking out these resources as early as possible. Schools often offer after-school tutoring, but if you’re looking for external help, choose a tutor who will empower your child to tackle challenges independently.

“Tutors should work with students in a way that builds their confidence and independence,” says Baumann. 

By starting early and staying proactive, you can help your child approach the new school year with confidence, knowing they have the tools and support they need to succeed. WILC and PILS are here to assist families, offering advocacy services and resources to ensure that every student with special needs is ready to thrive in the classroom. For more information, reach out to WILC for guidance and support, or visit www.wilc.org/events to join one of their many upcoming free webinars on topics including IEPs, Behavioral Strategies, and more.