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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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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

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

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

SARC agreed to pay for UCLA Pathway for 2 years. Approx $35,000 a year. Marc and Emily were responsive and very helpful. I would recommend them.

Eastside UnionSan Jose

Where to begin. Our child has had an IEP since second grade and never really got the type or level of support she needed. We finally had enough of her IEP team dragging their feet and seemingly talking in circles and hired a special educational lawyer. Unfortunately, our initial lawyer didn’t seem to “get” our child or her needs. After a year, we turned to Tollner Law Offices and worked first with James S. and then with David T. to evaluate and help remedy our child’s situation.

David and his te… Read more

San Jose Unified School DistrictSan Jose, CA

Attorney Amanda O’Neal goes above and beyond! She helped me resolve my complicated child special needs issues with the school district, or with any questions, I might have. She is extremely patient and thorough, updates were always available.
She helped keep me calm through the whole process. I was truly blessed to have had the opportunity to work with Amanda O’Neal, she is awesome!!
I wouldn’t think twice about recommending Attorney Amanda O’Neal, extremely knowledgeable and easy to work wi… Read more

Belmont-Redwoodshores DistrictBelmont, CA

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

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

Sarah and her team ” brought the sledge.” They were not only efficient and economical in their use of our time , but they brought results much sooner and more positively than expected. We were guided every step of the way by Sarah especially have very warm demeanor, who I mostly would speak with on the phone or zoom. I felt very supported and informed.

Pacifica School District.California

If you are tired of being pushed around by a district and your kid is suffering, David’s your guy. I could have said this in a more eloquent and less abrupt fashion, we have been through so much with SJUSD and were relieved that we were able to come to a satisfactory ending. Thanks again David!

San Jose, CA

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