To help a child with special needs be successful as he begins kindergarten, child care providers should keep lines of communication open with parents and work closely with them and the child. Some ways you can help make kindergarten successful for a child with special needs include:
- Building excitement about the upcoming school year.
- Having conversations with the child about beginning school and helping him count down until the first day.
- Talking to him about which backpack and other supplies to take to kindergarten.
- Encouraging parents to work as a team with the child care staff and the kindergarten teacher to plan the best possible transition for the child.
- Helping parents plan ahead. Before school begins, they should meet with the teacher, administrators, therapists, and the nurse to discuss the child's IEP and take any necessary steps to accommodate the child’s unique needs.
- Suggesting parents check the school for any accessibility issues and advocate for the needs of the child. Once the child begins school, parents will also need to create an environment of consistent support at home.
- Providing encouragement to both the child and parents, and be available to help when needed
The eXtension Alliance for Better Child Care has a variety of information available. To learn more about working with children with special needs, check out the articles in Child Care for Children with Special Needs. For tips on welcoming a child with special needs in the child care program, visit our page on Ways Child Care Providers Can Prepare for Enrollment of a Child with Special Needs.
You may also be interested in learning more about supporting children's school readiness. Check out the section on Early Learning and School Readiness in Child Care, or take a look at the following articles:
