Preparing your child to start school and choosing the right school for them involves careful consideration and planning.
For parents and carers who are new to raising a child with a developmental delay or disability, this journey can be both exciting and overwhelming. There are several factors to ensure the school is the right fit for your child.
To assist you, we’ve put together a comprehensive guide to help you navigate the different schooling options and choose the best fit for your child’s education and support needs.
Exploring school options
Before enrolling your child, it’s important to explore different schooling options to find the best fit for their unique needs. Take the time to research schools in your area and attend open days or tours to get a sense of the environment and available support systems. You can also schedule a meeting with the school to discuss how they can meet your child’s specific needs, including learning and accessibility requirements.
When considering starting school, or perhaps finding a new school for your child, you have several paths to choose from. One common option is enrolling your child in a mainstream public or private school. These institutions offer a traditional education setting with a range of academic and extracurricular activities.
However, if your child has specific needs that might require additional support, dual enrolment could be worth exploring. This approach allows your child to attend both a specialist and a mainstream school.
Another option is education support units or centres, which are designed specifically for students with disability. These facilities offer learning support teachers, tailored learning areas, and specialised resources within a mainstream school environment.
Community schools are publicly funded and offer an alternative to mainstream schooling. These schools often emphasise a more personalised and holistic approach to education, catering to various learning styles and needs.
For families who meet certain criteria, distance education is another option. This approach allows children to receive their education remotely and is available to families under categories such as distance, medical needs, or frequent travel.
Lastly, homeschooling provides the flexibility to tailor the curriculum to your child’s learning pace and interests. Being in the home environment can provide a comfortable and familiar space that can offer a more supportive and individualised learning experience.
Preparing your child for school
Starting school is a huge milestone that may come with big changes to family routines. It’s important to take steps to ensure that your child feels supported and confident about this transition.
You can begin by talking about school positively and frequently. Use enthusiastic language to build excitement and help your child look forward to the new experience. Depending on your child’s readiness, you might start teaching them basic skills like self-care and independence that will be useful in the school setting.
Introducing your child to the concept of school can be facilitated through social stories and books. These resources can help familiarise your child with the school environment and staff, making the transition smoother. Establishing routines at home with visual schedules for before and after-school activities can also provide a sense of predictability and comfort.
Practicing school routines at home, such as packing a school bag and using a lunch box, can help your child adjust to the new daily schedule. Visiting the school before the academic year starts is another helpful step. Attend open days and orientations with your child and explore the playgrounds and school grounds together to make the environment feel more familiar.
Familiarising your child with school supplies is important too. Purchase uniforms, footwear, and other school essentials in advance so that your child becomes accustomed to what they will use. Regularly check in with your child about their feelings regarding starting school and address any concerns they might have. Highlight the positives, such as making new friends and learning new skills, to help build their enthusiasm.
If possible, arrange playdates or meet-and-greets with other children who will be attending the same school. This can help your child build early friendships and increase their confidence.
Remember, you are your child’s best advocate. The first few weeks of school might be tiring and confusing for them, so be prepared to offer extra time and space when they get home.
Working with the school
If you believe your child needs additional support in the classroom, start by discussing it with their teacher. For children with more complex needs, you might need to involve the school leadership team or a school psychologist.
Classroom accommodations and use of assistive technologies can play a crucial role in supporting your child’s learning experience and should be tailored to the child’s individual needs. For example, these accommodations may include, preferential seating, such as sitting near the front of the class, and arrangements for frequent breaks to manage attention and energy levels.
Providing additional support tools, like audio recorders or alternate formats for assignments, can also be beneficial. Personalised feedback, extended test-taking time, and access to sensory rooms can help reduce stress and enhance your child’s ability to focus and engage.
Visual schedules and communication devices can support your child’s interaction with teachers and peers, while working in small groups or one-on-one with an educational assistant (EA) can offer tailored support.
If your child has support needs at school, we recommend discussing them with your child’s teacher or school leadership staff. Depending on your child’s support needs, the school may suggest an Individualised Education Plan (IEP). An IEP can formalise necessary accommodations and ensure your child’s educational experience is adapted to their specific requirements.
If you need additional support with your child’s school experience, whether it’s addressing challenges or navigating school systems, our Peer Navigators are here to assist you.
You’re welcome to book a free, one-on-one Pathway Planning session with us to explore options for your child.
Click here to book a Pathway Planning session with us.
In the meantime, if you’re seeking more information on preparing your child for school or advocating for them, you can find helpful resources here. For additional resources, you can access them here.
If you have any other questions, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us.
