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Lay the Foundation for a Successful Back-to-School Transition

Summer can be a mixed bag for special needs children and their parents. For some the relief from academic and social demands makes for a welcome and relaxing break. For others the loss of the school routine and supports can result in a trying and difficult time. But, for all transitioning back to a new school year presents a serious challenge. How you use the last weeks of summer can make the difference between a “honeymoon” return and a stressful series of disasters. So what can you do to ease the transition back-to-school for you and your child? Here are some great strategies for a successful start.

  1. Get Organized – Plan the transition, and eliminate surprises. Schedule out the next few weeks and let your child know what to expect. Don’t be the source of your own transition problems.
  2. Ease in – Start shifting bedtimes and wake-up by 10 minutes a day moving towards a sustainable school year routine.
  3. Make a Transition Book or Story – Visit your child’s school and take photographs of what they will encounter through their day. The school bus, school, classroom, playground, and other places (Speech or OT room, Office, Nurse, etc
  4. Get Your Supplies Early – Back-to-school shopping can be stressful and crowded. Get a jump on it). Kids pick up on parent’s stress, so make it easy on them by making it easy on yourself (See also our Back to School Shopping Guide).
  5. Visit – Take your child to school and go through the locations they will visit during the day. You could go early and set it up like a scavenger hunt, or other game. Let them become familiar with the setting without the chaos of hundreds of other children. This could be combined with making your transition book. Either use the book as your child’s guide or let your child participate in taking the pictures and putting together their own guide.
  6. Get After School Set – Plan for after school activities to make the most of the end of summer. Enroll early in after school programs, classes, or social groups.
  7. Get Stuff Done – Breaking up the school routine is disruptive, so take advantage of the end of summer for well-child checkups, dentists visits, and other appointments that often pull kids out of school.
  8. Start Homework Time – Begin the practice of setting a time and place aside for work after school. This can start with art or craft projects, and move to reading, outdoor science “adventures” and more challenging activities as you get closer to the start of school.
  9. Take Advantage of Orientation – If your school offers opportunities to visit the school or meet the teachers, take advantage of the chance to start establishing a relationship with their teacher (For both you and your child).
  10. Arrange Transportation – Make sure everything is set to get your child to and from school. Plan on being early for the first week or so. Not seeing a parent when released for pick up can trigger anxiety.

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David Tollner's avatar

About David Tollner

David brings his trial experience as a litigator, unique knowledge of special education process and services, and formidable passion to his special education practice. David has served as Executive Director of Pacific Autism Center for Education (PACE) and Rebekah Children's Services. David opened Tollner Law Offices in 2007 and has since built it into one of the largest disability law firms in Northern California, serving children and adults with special needs.

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David was very knowledgeable and professional from day one. His knowledge of the nuances of the legal process and the investment he made in understanding the specifics of our case was exemplary. Throughout the process, we felt that he had the best interest of our child in mind. Our early sense was that we were in safe hands when we signed up with him and this was confirmed through all our interactions and, ultimately, when we got the desired outcome for our child in the case.

CUSDcupertino

Amanda was an excellent guide down an intimidating path to secure an appropriate level of educational support for our child.
We could not have navigated this process without her.
Amanda was patient, thorough, and we always knew that she had our best interest as her top priority.
We are so grateful.

Burlingame School DistrictBurlingame, CA

David Tollner has assisted us over the past 8 years as we have untangled many issues with two different school districts in San Mateo County. He is flexible, open minded, professional, efficient and direct while respecting the values and opinions of all parties involved. Highly recommend him if you are dealing with a contentious situation.

San Mateo, CA

Bonnie,
You are the best. Looking back on 2020, I am very grateful for all you did for our family. The genuine care you have for John is felt by us all the time.
Walking me through this process 3 times now and your winning at every turn has helped us in so many ways. It also allows him not to feel the pressure of knowing his schooling is expensive. With you in charge he knows we will get paid back. Most importantly, you allow John to feel justice is being served for how he was mistreated at scho… Read more

I’ve worked with two lawyers from Tollner Law Offices over the past six years, David Tollner and Bonnie Yates. Both attorneys are top-notch. I have two children who required their services. Both attorneys worked wonderfully with the school districts. They’re both very knowledgable about special education laws and guided my husband and me to get the appropriate accommodations and tuition reimbursement for our children. I feel very lucky to have had the opportunity to work with Tollner Law Offices… Read more

San Mateo-Foster CityFoster City, CA

We found this office through a parent group that we trust a great deal. Wd’d never needed representation for an IEP and so didn’t know what to expect. We were very pleased with the process and outcome. Our attorney, Amanda O’Neil was all the things you want: professional, thorough and friendly. The thing we appreciated most was how easy it was to reach her and how quickly she responded to any/all of our questions. Her involvement in our IEP process is THE reason we were able to get the placement… Read more

Santa Cruz CitySanta Cruz

As a single mom who was lost with what to do for my son and his educational needs, David made everything very clear.

Fremont, CA

Tollner Law firm exceeded my expectations. I was referred to them from a reputable child advocate and I am so glad I chose them to represent my child’s case against our school district. I was very impressed by both Bonnie Yates and Devan Brothers. I appreciate their dedication and team work. Devan stayed on my case as we took it to the next level. They always seem to put the “client” first by making sure I had a clear understanding of the litigation process. Also both were very experienced, symp… Read more

LAUSDSan Pedro, CA

Amanda was also very helpful when David wasn’t around. Sometimes God provide us angels to guide us in our most painful time of need and I truly believe David was that angel. We have been struggling for the past 3 years following the recommendations of the school district. We needed external help where our daughter could be in a structured environment where trained and compassionate individuals were there to help her 24/7. David is a very skilled Special Education attorney but what impressed me m… Read more

David Tollner has helped us tremendously in the past couple of years to get services from school district for our Autistic daughter!!! He is very knowledgeable, professional and efficient. He is very compassionate in defending families Rights.

I highly recommend him to anyone who has a hard time dealing with school district to get services for their child.

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