Transitioning from early childhood to elementary school, elementary school to middle school, middle school to high school, and high school to postsecondary can bring on many emotions.  Not only are emotions high for students with not knowing what will come with transitioning to a new school, more students, new staff, and a different set of expectations, but emotions are high for parents and staff.  

A few years ago, my district created a Special Education parent forum to be offered once a year in February for parents.  Special education teachers and school psychologists present essential information to parents about the transition process that our district follows for students receiving special education services.  Allowing parents to hear this information and ask questions helps them understand the process, gives ideas to help prepare their child, and eases the transition process.

As teachers, support staff, and parents, we can help alleviate some of the anxiety of acclimating to a new environment by being proactive in the transition process.  Below are some ideas and tips to guide everyone in the transition process.

Parents

• talk about the new school with your student
• drive by the school often, daily
• read a social story about their new school
• ask to tour the school when students are not in the building
• ask questions

Sending Teacher

• provide materials, visuals, and supports to the receiving school
• give as much information as possible about the student by using a transition form 
• set up times with the receiving school to have structured times in the day for the student to participate in activities (i.e., lunch, recess, group time, etc.)
• help in the process of creating a social story for the new school

Receiving Teacher

• provide pictures of the building, staff, places within the school that the student will be involved in
• help in the process of creating a social story for the new school
• take a video tour of the school when kids are not in the building for the student to watch
• set up times with the sending school to have structured times in the day for the student to participate in activities (i.e., lunch, recess, group time, etc.)