The first day of school it's never easy for no one. Not for our little one, nor for us. They are about to experience a new world, new experiences, they will meet new characters, other ways of seeing and conceiving the world. It is for a child without disabilities and with communication and anticipation resources, so it will be even more difficult for our children with special educational needs.
This can cause a multitude of problems, which, as parents, we must be ready for. know and face and how we can help with the process to ensure that everyone involved coordinates and fosters the most dynamic and smooth adaptation possible.
- EARLY SCHOOLING: It is from the age of 3 that our son will insert into the educational systemAlthough this first stage is not compulsory, virtually all children between the ages of 3 and 5 attend school. Furthermore, schooling is often recommended even for children under 3 years of age. before 3 years when we are faced with a child with autism or with social and learning difficulties.
- PREPARATION: Family Preliminary Steps.
- Prepare an “Information for Professionals” document.
It would be interesting and essential to prepare a document detailing all the information related to our child that could be helpful to everyone involved in our child's schooling process.
- What he is like: his personality, his attitude and his disposition.
- What do you like to do in your free time: what types of activities do you like and prefer?
- How does he/she communicate: he/she presents language, some type of alternative or gestural communication.
- What difficulties does it face: what aspects should be taken into account in its daily management as prevention and as a goal to work on in the classroom.
- What are your favorite objects? It would also be interesting if we could provide them so that they could be used at that moment to foster a bond with the teacher and help the child become familiar with the person and the space.
- What expectations do you have for the school year? Share everything you believe the school can help in the development and growth of your child.
- Previous Walks: It would help a lot
- Being able to take a few walks school environment, even taking photos or a video of the walk so our child becomes familiar with the daily route and can anticipate and recognize the school, the door, the park across the street... all the surroundings that will also be part of the child's daily routine throughout the year. It would be interesting to do this at times when there aren't many people around, and if it goes well, try doing it at busier times, although away from the hustle and bustle, so they get used to those moments, which can sometimes be sensorially invasive and also require adaptation.
- Go for it school supplies together: the backpack, the pencils, the gown… Being able to make all the school material have its own stamp, for example if he likes a certain cartoon, an object or a color, being able to adapt it to his tastes and preferences as much as possible and being able to work on them at home through photos and videos of the experience will greatly help the child to recognize them and project a pleasant previous experience that will then be transferred to the global process when those objects go with him to school.
C. FIRST CONTACT: Previous interview with the Professor in the Classroom.
It is recommended that before the start of the school year, a space be created where the child can become familiar with the classroom and the teacher who will be their key figure throughout the year, and that they can count on their support during this adjustment phase.
All children have their adjustment period, and it happens sooner or later in the process. There may be negative reactions, and sometimes it may be accompanied by tears, screams, and even tantrums. Transmit security and confidence This will be the main objective, to get the child to gradually accept the situation and adapt to this new world that he is about to discover.
D. FIRST DAY: A little while is enough.
The first day of school can be quite traumatic for a child with special educational needs if it lasts too long. The goal of this first day is see the classroom and the environment as a wholeChildren crying, children playing, laughing and shouting, new materials, new people…
E. ALWAYS ACCOMPANIED: We adapt without losing the Reference.
It is recommended that we still have a Concerning inside the classroom. It must be carefully assessed Who is the Referent The child's attachment to the child, as well as the ease and consistency of the role model's actions in this process, are key. The adaptation process is also difficult for parents, so it's important to carefully assess which role model is appropriate for each case.
This reference will accompany the child at all times but will not be active, that person will act as a pillar but will not intervene with the child or participate in the activities, he will share if the child shows him something but it will be shown as something quite "boring and not very tempting and attractive to the child", carry a reading book It can be a very good option to help the role model in this task. This way, the child becomes more attracted to what the teacher, the materials, the children, and so on are doing, and we can foster a bond, comfort, and familiarity in the space.
F. NEXT DAYS: The moments are lengthening.
Do gradual extension of time In the classroom, this is one of the greatest successes of this process. We will increase the time hour by hour each day until midday, when we begin the next process. The time will be measured according to the child's reactions.
G. END OF ADAPTATION: The Reference departures begin.
Just like the previous process, Referent can gradually:
- Change location in space.
- Go to the bathroom and come back in 2 minutes.
- Disappear for 15 min, 30 min, 60 min…
At all times the teacher will have the Referrer's phone number so she can call him if she considers it necessary. Until jtogether determine that the adaptation has been carried out and remains in the classroom at all times until food for a few days until you are ready to stay the whole day.
The adaptation period is a very beautiful moment where we give our children the tools to walk safely and independently in the second social space they know. Diversity in children provides an incredible richness and opportunity for growth for the entire class. It's a time when we develop social and we feel part of a group, a time to feel loved and valued as an active part of a group. Caring for and pampering this process will make professionals and family enjoy the process much more and have the opportunity to create a much more complete, informed, and realistic transbase than throwing our children out there without support, quickly, and in front of professional but uninformed people.
“Education is getting what you want out of life without hurting anyone.”