Summer break is a well-deserved time to rest and recharge. A bit of thoughtful prep during the summer can make a huge difference in easing the transition into the new school year. During the summer I enjoy prepping and gathering ideas for my classroom for the upcoming school year! In this post, I will share my top 5 things that I am prepping this summer and how I am still enjoying every minute of being home!

1. Set Up Your Visuals and Schedules

Our learners thrive on structure and clear visuals are essential to promoting independence, reducing anxiety, and increasing understanding. I use both digital and printed visuals. 

What to prep:

• Daily schedules: Individual student schedules (picture, object, word-based, or digital depending on student needs)
• Classroom visuals: Labels for furniture, centers, bins, routines, and transitions
• First/Then boards, token boards, and timers
• Behavior visual supports: Break cards, choice boards, calm-down visuals

Tip: Laminate everything for durability and keep a digital copy of all visuals for quick reprinting.

2. Organize Data Collection Systems

Data drives instruction and is crucial for tracking IEP goals, behaviors, and student progress.

What to prep:

• Create IEP goal tracking binders or digital spreadsheets for each student
• Develop templates for ABC data, frequency counts, and task analyses
• Print daily anecdotal note sheets or create digital forms
• Color-code or use tab dividers to keep student data organized and accessible

Tip: Use tools like Google Forms or Clicker Counter apps for quicker data collection on the go.

3. Plan Your Classroom Layout and Center Rotations

An effective classroom layout supports independence, minimizes distractions, and promotes smooth transitions.

What to prep:

• A floor plan with clear zones: group instruction, work tasks, calm-down area, sensory zone, play/choice area
• Rotations for IEP goal work, discrete trial, PRT, independent work, and sensory time
• Student desk and cubby assignments (tentative until caseload is finalized)
• Visual maps or photos to teach students the layout

Tip: Think about traffic flow, noise level, and proximity to supports (like sinks or visuals) when arranging furniture.

4. Build First Week Materials and Routines

The first week is about building relationships, establishing expectations, and observing student needs.

What to prep:

• Low-demand, getting-to-know-you activities tailored to your students’ communication levels
• Visuals and social stories about classroom rules, transitions, and reward systems
• Behavior expectation lessons with modeling and role-play
• All About Me visuals or adapted books to share and display

Tip: Have plenty of reinforcers and preferred items ready to build positive associations with school.

5. Prepare Staff Training and Roles

Paraprofessionals and therapists are your team—having a clear plan for collaboration ensures consistency and support for students.

What to prep:

• A para handbook outlining roles, data collection procedures, and behavior protocols
• Visual schedules for staff (just like students!)
• Quick-reference guides on prompt hierarchies, reinforcement, and de-escalation
• Schedule a team training day or share training videos and visuals before school starts

Tip: Plan to hold a brief check-in with paras every morning or weekly to maintain open communication and adjust roles as needed.

Prepping over the summer doesn’t mean working every day—it’s about working smarter. Focus on foundational tools that you’ll use daily and systems that can be adapted easily once your caseload is confirmed. A little work now can save countless hours and stress during the hectic first weeks of school. Here are my list of resources from The Autism Helper that always help me get organized and get my head in the game!

• Autism Informational Handouts For Parents & Families
• Classroom Starter Pack Bundle
• Special Education Classroom Setup Checklists
• Real Photo Visual Schedules For Special Education Classroom
• Special Education Classroom Visuals And Labels
• Paraprofessional Training Manual Part 1 and Paraprofessional Training Manual – Part 2

I always recommend talking with administration when feeling that support is needed. This year, we have Autism Specialists from a local project coming in to help each teacher for 6 hours! You’ve got this! Take time to recharge, and when you’re ready, dive into your prep with confidence and heart. Your students are lucky to have you.