For families of kids with disabilities, back-to-school season comes with its own checklist — AAC devices ready, safety plans in place, the whole team up to speed on health and sensory needs, teachers on board with IEPs…and the list goes on. No matter where you’re starting from, we’ve got what you need to help your kiddo feel safe and supported this year.
Emergency plans at school
New school, new team, new routines — and maybe a new emergency plan to figure out. Does your kiddo need an emergency plan for medical needs, adapted evacuation procedures, and/or (in California) an IEP Emergency Plan outlining how services and supports will be provided in an emergency? Know the difference before you need it.
Individualized Health Plan (IHP)
Does your child’s school team know how to keep them healthy and safe during the day? Whether it’s medication, emergency care, or managing ongoing health needs, their health plans need to be current — and their team needs to know how to respond. Explore how IHPs, IEPs, and 504 plans can work together to support your child at school (and see a sample!).
Tips for communicating with your child’s teacher
Once school starts, staying connected with your child’s teacher can help you catch problems early. Learn practical ways to communicate with teachers, keep tabs on IEP goals and accommodations, request work samples, and stay informed throughout the year.
And psst…one of the best ways to introduce your child to a new teacher is with an All About Me! Undivided’s All About Me turns your child’s IEP or 504 into a personalized, shareable, one-page profile highlighting their strengths, communication style, accommodations, supports, and goals. Share it with teachers, therapists, and support staff before the first day so everyone starts the year knowing what helps your child thrive. Check it out in this video:
A new school year with AAC
Heading back to school with an AAC device can bring up a lot of questions. How will new teachers support communication? Will the device be ready to go on day one? Should we add anything new to it? Check out our tips from SLP Ali Steers for a smoother transition, including preparing your child’s AAC device, calling a school team meeting, helping teachers model AAC, and more. Plus, check out answers to frequently asked questions about getting AAC through insurance vs IEP.
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Numbers to Note: 7
For a very special edition of Numbers to Note — the top 7 ways Undivided can help you get ready for the new school year. Need to make sense of your child’s IEP? Upload it to our IEP Assistant. Tired of digging through paperwork? Keep it all in your digital binder in the Undivided platform. Have a school request to make? Use one of our templates. Not sure how to tackle a big goal? Follow one of our step-by-step guides you can add to your child’s profile. And when you need a real person to help you figure out what comes next, join our members-only Office Hours, connect with a Navigator, or join our community of parents who get it.
Dear Undivided
How do I help my child with anxiety about starting school?
New school or new classroom, anything unfamiliar can bring on worries. Visual stories and preparing beforehand can help a child manage anxiety about returning to school. Anxiety reduction specialists from CARE-LA recommend using strategies like 4-7-8 breathing, validating feelings, behavioral activation, and creating a safe space. Non-Attorney Education Advocate Lisa Carey also suggests looping in your child’s teacher — share what mornings look like at home and ask for their input. They may have ideas based on what’s worked before.
Have a question for Undivided? Email us, and the answer could appear in a future newsletter!
Undivided Conversations → Saturday, August 15, 10:00 a.m. PT
Want to ensure your child’s safety and well-being at school? Watch our Undivided Conversation “Keeping Kids Safe in School with Emergency and Health Plans” to learn about emergency and health plan essentials from a special education nurse consultant and a special education advocate. Streaming on Facebook and YouTube.
Office hours → Wednesday, August 19, 12:00 p.m. PT
Do you have questions about public benefits programs in California like Regional Center, Medi-Cal, IHSS, or SSI? Join us for office hours with Lisa Concoff Kronbeck, Undivided’s California public benefits specialist, for a live Q&A. Office hours Zoom sessions are open to Undivided members only, so if you’re not a member yet, sign up here to participate→
FREE live Q&A → Turn Your Child’s IEP into an Advocacy Plan: an IEP Assistant Walkthrough
Prep for discussions with your IEP team like never before! Undivided’s IEP Assistant is debuting new features like the ability to upload assessments and private reports to get even more personalized insights on how to strengthen your child’s IEP. Join us on Thursday, September 17, 12:00 p.m. – 1:00 p.m. PT for a FREE webinar with CEO Seth Besse, who will give you an up-close-and-personal tour of the IEP Assistant and answer questions about how it all works. RSVP here to sign up→
This week in our parents-only Facebook group: sensory-friendly shoes, snack recommendations, Legoland tips, therapy time vs. free time, and more. Join the discussion→
Your child’s IEP is dozens of pages — our All About Me tool helps you create a short-and-sweet version for the first week of school. Check it out in this Instagram reel→
What is the 4-7-8 breathing exercise? Watch a quick demo with psychologist Dr. Lauren Stutman on our YouTube channel→
Help make the back-to-school season easier for more families! Share Undivided’s free resources on LinkedIn→
