The start of the school year is here, and The Arc Greater Twin Cities has tips for parents of children with intellectual or developmental disabilities to help their children get the year off to a great start. Visit the school—it will help your child become familiar with the building.
Introduce him/her to the teachers and staff. Create a portrait of your child for the school team, his likes/dislikes, clear examples of what works well when working with your child, his/her skills and successes, and techniques you use with your son or daughter.
Use pictures—take photos of the classroom or classrooms where your child will spend the day and explain what he/she will do in each room.Create a sequential picture schedule to help your child understand what will happen throughout the day.
Then create a similar picture schedule to use at home, so your child gets comfortable with a new daily routine.
Network with other parents. Get involved at the school and volunteer to help with school events. Consider joining one of The Arc’s free parent networking groups that meet across the metro area. You’ll meet other parents of children who have disabilities and be able to share ideas.
Check out the Arc Guide information sheets in the Resource section at www.arcgreatertwincities.org
Topics include acronyms in special education, functional behavior assessment, individualized education programs or IEPs, facilitated IEPs, special education evaluations, least restrictive environment in special education, state testing and more.
Tips are also posted www.facebook.com/thearcgreatertwincities. Visit www.arcgreatertwincities.org for more information or call The Arc Greater Twin Cities at (952) 920-0855. The Arc Greater Twin Cities fosters respect and access for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families, giving them the power to achieve a full and satisfying life. For more information and volunteer opportunities, call The Arc Greater Twin Cities at (952) 920-0855 or visit www.arcgreatertwincities.org.
