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Settling Into the School Year: How to Support Your Child at Home and at School

The first few weeks of school are a whirlwind — new teachers, new schedules, and lots of adjustments for both kids and parents. By September, routines start to settle, but that doesn’t mean things always feel smooth. This is the perfect time to step back and ask: How can I best support my child both inside and outside the classroom?

Here are three practical strategies that can make a big difference in helping your child feel confident and supported as the school year gets underway.

1. Creating Calm Mornings and Smoother Transitions

Mornings can set the tone for the entire day. When the day begins with chaos — rushing out the door, missing homework, or forgotten lunches — kids often carry that stress with them to school.

Tips for calmer mornings:

  • Prepare the night before: lay out clothes, pack lunches, and check backpacks.
  • Build in “buffer time” — even just 5 extra minutes can prevent meltdowns.
  • Use visual schedules or checklists to help children know what’s next.
  • Keep routines consistent: same wake-up, same breakfast spot, same goodbye ritual.

A calm morning doesn’t mean perfect — it just means predictable. And predictability helps children feel safe and ready to learn.

2. Building Consistent Homework Habits

Homework can be a daily battle — or it can become a manageable part of your family routine. The key is consistency and structure.

Tips for homework success:

  • Create a dedicated homework space that’s free from distractions.
  • Establish a regular homework time each day (after snack, before dinner works for many families).
  • Break tasks into smaller chunks with short breaks in between.
  • Use a timer for focus sprints (for example, 15 minutes of work, 5 minutes of break).
  • Celebrate effort, not just results — praise goes a long way toward building confidence.

Remember: the goal isn’t perfection. It’s building habits that help your child feel capable and independent over time.

3. Staying Connected With Teachers and Service Providers

Strong communication between home and school is one of the most powerful ways to support your child. Teachers, therapists, and service providers see your child in a different context — and when everyone shares observations, children benefit.

Ways to stay connected:

  • Send a quick email once a month to check on progress toward goals.
  • Keep a simple communication log of all interactions (this is especially helpful for IEP/504 students).
  • Ask teachers for one “success story” to share at home — it motivates your child and strengthens the home-school partnership.
  • Don’t wait for conferences — early communication prevents surprises later.

When families and schools work together, children feel supported from every angle.

Final Thoughts

Settling into the school year takes time, but with calm routines, consistent habits, and strong communication, you can help set your child up for success. Remember: progress is built step by step, and small adjustments at home and school can make a big impact over the course of the year.

✨ If you’d like support reviewing your child’s IEP or figuring out how to strengthen home-school communication, I’d love to help. Connect with me via email: Melanie@nextstepadvocacy.com

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3 Common IEP Mistakes Parents Make — and How to Avoid Them

Navigating the IEP (Individualized Education Program) process can be overwhelming for any parent, but it’s crucial to ensure your child gets the support they deserve. Over the years, I’ve worked with many families, and there are a few mistakes I see time and time again. Here’s a breakdown of 3 common IEP mistakes parents often make, and more importantly, how to avoid them.

1. 

Not Reviewing the IEP Before the Meeting

One of the biggest mistakes parents make is walking into an IEP meeting without reviewing the document ahead of time. This can lead to missed opportunities for collaboration or even missed services that your child may need.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

  • Request a copy of the IEP before the meeting. Under the law, schools must provide parents with a copy of the IEP prior to the meeting, so don’t hesitate to ask for it in advance. This will give you ample time to review it thoroughly.
  • Highlight key areas. Look at your child’s goals and progress. Have they met their previous goals? Are there any new goals you’d like to add? Reviewing the document ahead of time helps you feel prepared and ensures the meeting is focused on your child’s needs.

2. 

Failing to Set Clear, Measurable Goals

Another mistake is not ensuring that your child’s IEP has clear, measurable goals. Vague goals like “improve reading skills” or “be more independent” are not specific enough to track progress. Without concrete, measurable goals, it’s difficult to assess whether the school is providing the appropriate support.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

  • Ask for SMART goals. These goals are Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. For example, instead of “improve reading skills,” a SMART goal might be “Increase reading fluency by 10 words per minute by the end of the semester.”
  • Request progress reports. Make sure the IEP includes a clear method for tracking progress, and request updates on how your child is doing throughout the year. This keeps you involved and ensures the goals remain relevant.

3. 

Not Speaking Up or Advocating for Your Child

Finally, many parents make the mistake of assuming the school’s team knows exactly what’s best for their child without actively participating in the discussion. Schools may have excellent intentions, but as the parent, you are your child’s best advocate. If something doesn’t seem right, it’s important to speak up.

How to Avoid This Mistake:

  • Don’t be afraid to ask questions. If you don’t understand something in the IEP or feel the goals and services are not fully aligned with your child’s needs, ask for clarification. It’s okay to ask for explanations in layman’s terms.
  • Bring a support person. If you’re feeling overwhelmed, ask a trusted advocate or special education lawyer to attend the meeting with you. They can help ensure that the IEP is aligned with your child’s needs.
  • Trust your instincts. If something doesn’t feel right or you don’t agree with a proposed solution, don’t hesitate to express your concerns. Remember, you have the right to request changes to the IEP if necessary.

Final Thoughts

The IEP process can be intimidating, but being prepared and knowledgeable about the process can make a world of difference. By avoiding these common mistakes, you can ensure that your child gets the best possible education and support to thrive. Remember, your voice is one of the most important in the room, and you have the power to make a lasting impact on your child’s educational journey.

If you’re feeling unsure about your child’s IEP or need guidance, I offer free consultations to help you navigate the process. Together, we can ensure your child’s IEP is tailored to their unique needs.