Preparing for a “Next” Successful School Year: Focusing on Accommodations, Modifications, and Support

As the current school year concludes, it's a great time to reflect on successes. Before fully embracing the summer break, take time to consider how to best support your neurodivergent kid in the upcoming academic year.

Think of this as strategic planning! Consider the adjustments and assistance that will enable your unique learner to be successful next year.

Reviewing the Past to Inform the Future

Take a moment to think about the past year. Consider the following questions:

• Did the current accommodations and modifications effectively support your kid's learning? Were they consistently helpful and actively implemented? Or did some seem underutilized?

• What were the challenges? Which accommodations or modifications felt difficult to implement or didn't fit what your kid needed?

• Are there new areas where your child could benefit from additional support? Maybe a transition to a new grade with different academic demands, navigating new social dynamics, or even moving to a new school environment? Transition planning is so often overlooked when planning for the next school year! Even seemingly minor changes, like switching classrooms or having different teachers for various subjects, require careful planning to ensure a positive and seamless experience.

• Have any recent assessments or evaluations provided new insights into areas where focused support and strategies could be beneficial?

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Inclusiveology offers Consultations, IEP Reviews, and Parent IEP Coaching to maximize your knowledge of what's best for your kid's learning, growth, and independence. Reach out and let us know how we can help. Schedule your consultation HERE!

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Brainstorming Enhanced Accommodations for the Year Ahead

Based on your observations and any new information, brainstorm potential improvements to your child's Individualized Education Program (IEP) or 504 plan (these have accommodations, too, and can be adjusted as needed!). Think about this list as different approaches and tools you can utilize to support your kid with more meaningful learning:

• Refining existing supports: Exploring new or improved accommodations. For example, perhaps a visual schedule needs more detail to effectively support transitions, or sensory breaks need to be more frequent and intentionally integrated throughout the day.

• Considering technology: Investigating different assistive technology. Could a new app or device further enhance your child's learning, communication, and independence?

• Developing essential skills: Identifying specific strategies for executive functioning. If organization, planning, or initiating tasks are challenging for your child, let's discuss incorporating explicit instruction and consistent supports in these critical areas.

• Fostering emotional well-being: Establishing social-emotional learning goals, as needed. Let's consider adding specific objectives focused on building social skills, understanding and managing emotions, and developing strong self-advocacy skills.

  
  

Remember, YOU are your kid's first teacher and your insights are so valuable! By taking the time now to reflect and plan, you can collaborate with the school team to ensure that the next year is filled with growth, confidence, and success for your kid!

Let's work together to lay the groundwork for a positive and productive academic year, and stop the overwhelm! DJ at Inclusiveology is here to help! With a solution-centered approach, she offers guidance and support to parents of neurodivergent kids and those with disabilities. Schedule a free initial consultation, and let's work together to make sure your kid is getting everything they need to be their most successful, best self!