Springtime Planning for Transitions

The sun is beginning to shine, and the fresh smellsimpact on what happens to them in the future.
of spring are upon us. This time of year is alwaysMake decisions as a team. It is important for
a favorite of mine, whether I am at schooleducators and parents alike to make informed
working with my students or walking through thedecisions regarding placement for the coming
park with my son. As a special educator, this timeschool year. Having received input from the child,
of year is always busy in the school systems.parents and educators should discuss the best
Special educators, parents, and support staff alikeoptions for success.
generally meet together for an annualMake a plan for the summer. It is very useful for
Individualized Education Plan (IEP) for the comingstudents with disabilities to see a visual of how
school year. For those of you who are unfamiliarthe transition will take place. You can draw a map
with them, IEPs are usually completed in thefor the summer, or write important dates on a
spring for students receiving special educationcalendar (for example when school ends, summer
services. When preparing for IEPs, it is essentialevents, meeting the new teacher, when school
for parents and educators alike to think about thewill begin again, etc.).
conclusion of the current school year and theGuide the child through the transition. It will be
beginning of the next, and how they will supportimportant to guide the child in how to say
the child during this time.goodbye to this year's teachers and classmates
During moments of transition from grade toappropriately. It will also be important, especially
grade, classroom to classroom, or school tofor parents, to guide their child through their
summer, many children with disabilities begin tosummer routine whether at home, on vacation, or
feel uncertain about what is to come for them inattending summer school.
the future. This uncertainty can lead to increasedGear up for the coming school year. During the
in anxiety, which can be manifested in manyseveral weeks prior to the start of school, it is
different ways. As educators and parents, it isbeneficial to take your child to his or her school,
very important to plan not only for the upcomingintroduce him/her to the new teacher, and allow
school year, but also for the transitions inhim/her to familiarize him/herself with the new
between. Here are several suggestions to makesurroundings. It may also be beneficial to set-up a
those transitions easier and less stressful fortime to meet with the new teacher(s) to discuss
everyone involved:the child's needs, and what he or she can expect
Communicate with the child that the school yearduring the first days of school. By doing this, you
is coming to an end, and that summer will bewill be able to help prepare your child for what he
approaching. This is a good time to discuss movingshe can expect when school begins again.
on to a new teacher, saying good-bye to theIn following these steps, transitions from school to
current teacher, and ways for maintainingsummer and then to school again can be less
friendships over the summer.stressful and more enjoyable for everyone
Include the child in the planning process as itinvolved. As educators and parents, it is important
draws near. It is important to ask him/her whatfor us to support our children, and guide them in
he/she would like to learn and from whom in thesuccessfully dealing with transitions.
next school year. For educators, asking for"Nothing is secure but life, transition, the energizing
student input is very important. We want ourspirit.
students to feel empowered, that they have an