Back to School Checklist for Special Ed Parents

There are SO many things to do to get our kids out of summer mode and back into school mode. It’s a wonder we get it all done! I created this simple checklist so you could have an easy to make sure you don’t lose track of anything.

This list is geared towards parents of kids who are in special education. It helps you remember specific things you need to do so your child will be success this school year. It includes:

Things I need to get

• The Ultimate IEP Binder Toolkit
• Binder and page dividers to put binder together
• New backpack (if the old one is trashed)
• New lunchbox (if the old one is trashed)
• 2 weeks of food for school lunches
• Notes, paper, folders
• Pencils, erasers, pens, ruler, calculator, compass, scissors
• Fidgets or other gadgets your child needs.
• Buy the Special Ed Mom Survival Guide book to prepare for dealing with the school
• Sign my child up for the Special Education Advocacy Online Course.

Things I need to prepare

• IEP binder with all special ed paperwork
• Re-read IEP to be sure you understand it and it has everything your child needs
• My child’s “Get to Know Me” sheet
• My child’s “Disability Info Sheet”
• Medical records for any medical special needs.

Things I need to schedule

• Pre-school start meeting with teacher
• Child visit before start of school
• If you need an IEP right away, request it in writing on the first day of school.
• Schedule follow up meeting with teacher 4-6 weeks after school starts.

Things I need to do

• Deliver information sheets to teachers (Get to Know Me, Disability Info Sheet, Accommodation Summary)
• Deliver copy of IEP to teachers
• Deliver medical record information to the school nurse.
• Attend Back-to-School Night.
• Make copies of all school communications and insert into your IEP Binder.
• Talk to your child about starting school and help him/her work through any back-to-school jitters.
• Get email addresses of everybody on your child’s team.
• If your child has a paraprofessional, make sure that person is lined up to start the first day of school.
• If your child gets transportation, find out the schedule.

Join us in the Facebook Support Group!

If you get stuck preparing for the new school year, or if you just need help figuring out special ed, join us in the Special Ed Mom Survival Guide: IEP, 504 and Parenting Support Group.

Summary of all Resources for Back to School:

Tools:

1. Special Ed Mom Survival Guide book
2. The Ultimate IEP Binder Tool Kit
3. Special Needs Parent Medical Records Binder

Printables:

1. ‘Get to Know Me’ sheet 
2. Accommodation Info Sheet 
3. Disability Info Sheet 
4. Accommodation info sheet 
5. Disability Info Sheet
6. Calming the Hyper Child
7. 55 Self-Care Strategies for Moms With Too Little Time

Infographics:

1. Special Education Acronym 
2. The IEP Team is not doing a good job
3. IEP or 504
4. 12 Ways to Help Kids Calm Down