As a mom of a child with special needs, I know how hard transitions can be and all the unique challenges and joys that come with it. We have a big one coming up... Sam is graduating from Pre-K and going to Kinder! And while this change is exciting it is also daunting! Here are some tips and strategies that we are implementing to help make this smoother for Sam (and for us as his parents).
1. Prepare in Advance
Preparation is key to easing any transition. Sam is going to the same school as our big kids- so visiting the school has been easier for us. He comes with us almost daily to pick the big kids up and he has been inside of it very frequently as well!
Visit the New School: Arrange a tour of the Kindergarten classroom and school with your child. Familiarize them with the environment, including the playground, cafeteria, and bathrooms.
Meet the Teacher: If possible, ask to meet the Kindergarten teacher(s) beforehand. This can help your child start building a relationship and reduce anxiety about meeting a new authority figure. The school Sam is at now offers a special program where the new teacher can actually come to the classroom and meet the student and start to build a rapport with him.
Visual Schedules: Create a simple visual schedule that outlines the daily routine in Kindergarten. This can help your child know what to expect and feel more secure.
2. Develop a Consistent Routine
Sam thrives on consistency and routine, knowing that we plan to be very aware of keeping things the same for him this summer!
Morning and Evening Routines: Establish consistent morning and bedtime routines. Consistent routines help provide stability and predictability.
Practice New Routines: Practice getting ready for school, including packing a backpack, wearing the school uniform, and traveling to the school.
3. Social Stories and Role-Playing
Social stories and role-playing can be incredibly beneficial.
Create Social Stories: Develop stories that explain what Kindergarten is like, what your child can expect, and how to handle different situations. Include pictures and simple, clear language. I created these on Canva- you can download your own copy here and make them your own! When we toured the school I asked to take pictures of all the places Sam would be. This has been such a great tool for him to see and use daily! If you kiddo is riding the bus, it would also be helpful to include that!
Role-Playing: Role-play various scenarios your child might encounter, such as asking for help, interacting with classmates, and following classroom rules. We talk about school as much as possible right now to keep it present in his mind!
4. Communication with the School
Strong communication with the school is vital.
Share Information: Provide the school with information about your child's strengths, challenges, and any specific needs or accommodations.
IEP Meetings: If your child has an Individualized Education Plan (IEP), ensure that it is updated and that the Kindergarten staff are fully informed about it. You can check out the blog posts I have on IEPs here and here
Regular Updates: Establish a system for regular communication with the teacher, such as a daily or weekly notebook, emails, or meetings.
5. Foster Independence
Encouraging independence can boost your child’s confidence.
Self-Help Skills: Teach and practice self-help skills, such as using the bathroom independently, opening lunch containers, and putting on and taking off their coat and shoes. These skills take so much time to master- and thankfully for Sam's situation he doesn’t have to master all of this ahead of time but we still will be practicing these things at home!
6. Emotional Support and Reassurance
Provide emotional support and reassurance throughout the transition.
Acknowledge Feelings: Validate your child's feelings about the transition. Let them know it’s okay to feel excited, nervous, or even scared.
Positive Reinforcement: Use positive reinforcement to celebrate small successes and milestones. Praise your child for their efforts and bravery. Sam thrives on positive praise!
Comfort Items: If allowed, let your child bring a comfort item from home, such as a small toy or a family photo, to help them feel secure. We are sending Sam with his "All about me" story book that way if he is feeling sad or overwhelmed his teacher can bring this out and it has all his favorite things in it! This is especially helpful if your child has limited verbal communication.
7. Connect with Other Parents
Connecting with other parents can provide support and valuable insights. We are leaving behind our bubble and joining a new one- so this is going to be very important for us- me especially, because I really need support, especially during big changes like this!
Join Support Groups: Consider joining local or online support groups for parents of children with special needs. Sharing experiences and strategies can be incredibly helpful.
School Community: Get involved in the school community to build a network of support. Attend school events, volunteer, and connect with other parents.
Conclusion
Transitioning from Pre-K to Kindergarten is a significant step for any child, especially for those with special needs and disabilities. By preparing in advance, establishing routines, using social stories you can help make this transition as smooth and positive as possible for your child. These are the things we are doing to help prepare Sam for kinder. Like I tell my daughter all the time- I don’t know what will happen but we will figure it out as we go! I am reminding myself to be flexible and patient as we find what works best for our family.
Don’t forget to celebrate the small victories along the way and take comfort in knowing that you are providing your child with the tools and support they need to thrive in their new environment! You got this! Have you gone through a big transition recently? How did it go? Was there anything that really helped your child? I would love to hear from you!
Xo, Sara
Special needs parenting, Kindergarten transition, Pre-K graduation, Child development, School readiness, Routine for kids, Visual schedules, Emotional support, IEP planning, Parenting tips.
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