Page 41 - PSPS: A Training guide

Take part in effective communication and collaboration:

Share important information about your child's strengths, challenges, and
individualised education plan (IEP) or any relevant documentation. Collaborate
with the school team to create a transition plan that includes strategies,
accommodations, and goals specific to your child's needs.

Visit and familiarise:

Arrange visits to the new school before the transition. Tour the campus,
classrooms, and other facilities to help your child become familiar with the new
environment. Meet with teachers and support staff to discuss your child's needs
and to establish relationships. Encourage your child to spend some time in the
new setting, if possible, to ease any anxiety and promote a sense of familiarity.

Create a visual schedule:

Work with your child's current teachers or specialists to create
a visual schedule that outlines what to expect during the
transition to primary school. Include photos, drawings, or
written descriptions of key people, places, and activities to
help your child understand and adjust to the new environment.

Support autonomy and needs sharing:

Teach them strategies for communicating their needs, such as using
visual aids, gestures, or simple verbal cues. Help them practice self-help
skills, like dressing, using the restroom, and organizing their belongings.
By empowering your child to take on age-appropriate responsibilities, you
can foster confidence and readiness for the transition to primary school.

Take deep breaths:

It is hard to watch your child navigate a whole new world but
you know them better than anybody. Together, with the right
supports, you can enjoy their transition journey.