Monday, September 9, 2019

Parenting Pointers: Back to School Tips for Parents of Kids with Cerebral Palsy

Transitioning from summer to a new school year is hard for everyone. For kids with cerebral palsy and their parents, this transition can be particularly challenging. Depending on your child’s needs, going back to school may mean more paperwork, more planning, and more creative strategies to keep your family on track for school success.

So how can you help your son or daughter transition successfully? Here are some back to school tips for kids living with cerebral palsy.

Back to School Tips for Kids with Cerebral Palsy

These tips will help you and your child be prepared, motivated, and ready to start the new year.

1. Tour the Classroom Early
One of the best ways to help any special needs child transition from home to school is to make sure that they are comfortable in their new environment and know what to expect. All schools have back to school night or open house, but your child may benefit from seeing the classroom on his or her own first. Most teachers will have no problem allowing you and your child to come visit the classroom during a time when it is not crowded.

2. Build a Relationship with Teachers
As a parent, the relationship you build with your child’s teachers is important for academic success. If your child has cerebral palsy, that relationship is paramount. Meet with your child’s teacher to discuss his or her needs. Discuss the following with the teacher in advance:
  • If he or she requires special accommodations
  • If he or she needs help changing positions throughout the day
  • If he or she needs assistance with eating, drinking, or toileting
  • Any other medical conditions your child may have, such as seizures
  • Does your child need help with communication?

These are just a few of the many considerations that will be included in your child’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP). However, many parents find it helpful to discuss things directly with the teacher in a more private environment as well.

3. Get into a Routine
Start establishing a morning and bedtime routine with your child well before school starts. As summer winds down, it is tempting to let kids stay up a little later, or sleep a little longer. But it takes a few weeks generally at least for kids to get into a morning routine for school. To help your child with cerebral palsy adjust to the routine, start your routine a few weeks before school starts. That way, there are no surprises or challenges when it is time to head to class.

4. Request Inclusion (If Not Already Planned)
Talk to your school about whether your child will take part in inclusion activities. Inclusion is the term used to describe how the school helps students with special needs be included in part of the general education setting. With inclusion, your child may spend some time in a regular education classroom, and will be expected to be a part of the class.

Students with cerebral palsy will be allowed accommodations as needed, and will work together with other students from all walks of life. Inclusion is known to benefit regular and special education students tremendously.

5. Use Technology to Overcome Challenges
Children with cerebral palsy may have limited mobility, may struggle with fine motor skills, and may need a little more help with communicating. Technology is a great way to overcome challenges in these areas, especially when the same tools are used at home and at school. Technology like mobile devices, tablets, and adaptive writing tools can help children:
  • Improve handwriting skills
  • Expand reading skills
  • Expand number skills
  • Learn important organizational skills
  • Improve communication

Technology can also be tailored to meet the individual needs of your child, which makes it a great tool for use at home and at school.

Make the Transition Back to School a Family Affair
One of the best ways that you can help your child transition from summer to school is to include him or her in the entire process. Take your son or daughter shopping for school supplies. Include him or her in the routine-setting process. Talk to your child about his or her concerns, thoughts, or fears.

Including the entire family in the transition process also helps your child know that there is a strong support system at home. This can help your child feel confident and secure as he or she makes the leap into a new school year. 
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