Back To School 2026-2027

School Year Checklist for Your Child with Special Needs

Every year it seems that school begins earlier .It is the end of July, and the stores are stocked with school supplies. Admittedly, I love looking at and buying things for the start of school. However, as a parent of child ( now adult) with severe dyslexia seeing the school supplies on shelves produced a level of anxiety that I had for at least for two months each summer had been able to put on the back burner. The start of the school year was filled with a mix of concern, anticipation and hope that this year things would go well- at least better than last year. Summer was as carefree as it could be since it was also a time to pack in tutoring and evaluations. I have compiled a list of things to do that can make the transition to the new school year as easy as possible and allow you to plan.

1. Most schools now have a list of supplies required for each grade. If possible take your child with you to shop for these items. Make is fun and special.
2. Organize a space at home where school items will be stored. (e.g. backpack, pencils). It sometimes helps to have a spot with a designation in writing. Backpack here. Folders, Book for Reading at home. This can avoid the 15 minutes of search time for these items before or after school.
3. Designate a space for homework.
4. Lay out clothes the night before.
5. Use checklists.
6. Plan the schedule each week. School, work, Extracurricular activities, therapist appointments.
7. Establish consistent routines. It is a good idea to start these prior to the start of the school year. For example, set a bedtime, dinner time and homework time.
8. Check with any tutors or therapist who can summarize the work over the summer and current level of performance.
9. Check with your school about doing the following before the first day:
   • Meet the teacher. Visit the classroom. If this isn’t possible it can be done via Zoom. In person is always best.
   • Do a walk -through of a class schedule before student’s return.
   • Practice opening and closing the locker.
10. Medical Issues
    • Check to see that all prescriptions will be available. If your child takes medication at school be sure to speak with the nurse or whoever will be in charge of administering the medication.
    • If required obtain a new doctor’s note or care plan.
11. Review Your IEP and 504 Plan.
    • Schedule a meeting to check in 6 weeks after the start of school with your child’s IEP team.
12. Confirm Bus Routes and pick up and drop off time.
13. Communication Plan
    • Agree on a “ point person” for communication.
    • Set expectations for frequency of communication. (e.g. weekly, every two weeks).
    • Will communication take place through email (preferred)?
    • What information must be included in the communication?
    • Keep communications short and direct. A thank you where appropriate goes a long way.
14. Supplies (examples)
    • Spare clothing
    • Snacks
    • Fidgets if permitted
    • Noise cancelling headphones

Upcoming Events:

Dynamics of Dyslexia
November 4-5^th, 2026
NIU, Naperville, IL
https://www.everyonereadingillinois.org/event-calendar/dynamics-of-dyslexia-fall-conference-2025