Back-to-School with an IEP: Answers to the 10 Questions Parents Google Every August

The beginning of a new school year brings excitement, but it can also bring uncertainty for families of children with disabilities. Whether your child is entering kindergarten, transitioning to middle or high school, or simply moving into a new classroom, preparing ahead can make the first weeks much smoother.

We’ve gathered answers to the questions parents search for most every August, along with practical tips to help your family start the school year with confidence.

1. What should I do before the first day of school if my child has an IEP?

Preparation begins before the school doors open. A little planning now can help reduce anxiety, build confidence, and set your child up for a successful start.

A few weeks before school starts:

• Review your child’s IEP. Refresh yourself on the goals, accommodations, modifications, related services, and supports that should be available on the first day of school. If your child has a Behavior Intervention Plan (BIP), Health Care Plan, or other supporting documents, review those as well.
• Practice school routines early. Gradually adjust bedtime and wake-up schedules, practice getting dressed, packing and wearing a backpack, eating lunch on a schedule, and, if applicable, riding the bus route.
• Visit the school campus. If possible, arrange a visit before school begins. Walking through the classroom, cafeteria, gym, restrooms, therapy rooms, and bus loading area can reduce anxiety by helping your child know what to expect.
• Create an “About Me” sheet. Include your child’s strengths, interests, communication style, sensory preferences or triggers, motivators, calming strategies, and important medical or safety information. This doesn’t replace the IEP, but it gives teachers a quick snapshot of your child as an individual.
• Organize important paperwork. Keep copies of your child’s IEP, evaluations, progress reports, medical plans, behavior plans, and emergency contacts together in one binder or digital folder for easy access throughout the school year.

CaringTide Tip: Preparation isn’t just for your child; it also helps you feel more confident and organized as you begin another school year.

2. Can I request an IEP meeting before school starts?

Yes. Parents can request an IEP meeting at any point during the school year—not just during the annual review. If your child experienced significant changes over the summer, has new medical information, or you believe changes to the IEP are needed, requesting a meeting before school begins may be appropriate.

However, it’s also important to consider whether an IEP meeting is truly the right first step.

Ask yourself:

“Does my concern require the IEP to be changed, or can it be addressed through a conversation with the teacher, case manager, or principal?”

Concerns about classroom routines, communication preferences, transportation logistics, seating arrangements, or helping your child transition into a new classroom can often be resolved through a conference with school staff before classes begin.

It’s also important to remember that holding an IEP meeting before school starts has some limitations. The new teacher may not have had an opportunity to get to know your child, collect classroom data, or observe which supports are working. Without that information, the team may have limited evidence to determine whether changes to goals, accommodations, or services are appropriate.

If your concern is about ensuring the current IEP is implemented successfully from day one, a meeting with school staff may be the most effective first step. If your concern involves changing the educational program, adding services, revising goals, or updating accommodations, requesting an IEP meeting is likely the appropriate path.

CaringTide Tip: An IEP meeting is designed to make decisions about your child’s educational program. If your concern can be resolved through collaboration and communication, starting with a teacher, case manager, or principal conference can often save time, strengthen relationships, and still support your child’s success.

3. How can I help my child’s new teacher get to know them?

One of the most effective things you can provide is a simple one-page “About Me” profile.

Include information such as:

• Strengths and interests
• Communication style
• Sensory preferences or triggers
• Motivators
• Strategies that help during challenging moments
• Medical or safety considerations

This isn’t a replacement for the IEP—it simply gives teachers a quick snapshot of your child as a person before they dive into a lengthy document.

CaringTide Tip: Keep your “About Me” sheet to one page. Teachers appreciate concise, practical information they can easily reference throughout the school year.

4. Should I visit the school before classes begin?

Whenever possible, yes.

Visiting the campus ahead of time can significantly reduce anxiety, especially for students with autism, intellectual disabilities, anxiety disorders, or sensory sensitivities.

Ask whether you can visit:

• The classroom
• Cafeteria
• Restrooms
• Playground or gym
• Bus loading area
• Therapy rooms

Seeing these spaces ahead of time helps make the first day feel much more predictable.

CaringTide Tip: Take photos during your visit so you can review them with your child at home. Creating a simple visual schedule or social story can make the transition even smoother.

5. What if the teacher hasn’t read my child’s IEP?

Federal law requires schools to implement the services, accommodations, and supports outlined in an IEP. While teachers are typically provided access to their students’ IEPs before school begins, the start of the school year is a busy time, and they may still be reviewing information for all of their new students.

Rather than assuming your child’s IEP hasn’t been reviewed, consider reaching out with a collaborative mindset. Introduce yourself, express your excitement for the school year, and let the teacher know you’re available as a resource if they have questions about your child’s learning style, communication needs, or supports.

Starting the year with positive communication helps establish trust and often leads to a stronger home-school partnership throughout the year.

CaringTide Tip: During the week before school starts, or within the first week of school, consider emailing your child’s teacher a copy of the current IEP along with your one-page “About Me” profile. In your email, let the teacher know you wanted to introduce yourself, check in to see if they have had an opportunity to review the IEP, and share that you are happy to answer any questions or discuss your child’s supports. End by thanking them for all they are doing to prepare for their students and letting them know you look forward to working together to support your child’s success.

6. What school supplies should I send besides the regular list?

Depending on your child’s individual needs, you may want to discuss additional supports with the school.

These might include:

• Noise-reducing headphones
• Visual schedules
• Pencil grips
• Adaptive seating supports
• Communication devices
• Sensory tools or fidgets (when appropriate)
• Extra clothing if needed

CaringTide Tip: Before purchasing specialized items, check with your child’s teacher or therapist. Some supports may already be available at school or may need to be included in the IEP to ensure consistent use.

7. What if my child regressed over the summer?

Summer regression is common for many students receiving special education services.

If you notice your child has lost previously mastered skills, document what you’re seeing and share your concerns with the school. The IEP team can review current data, determine whether additional evaluations are needed, and consider whether goals or services should be updated.

CaringTide Tip: Keep a simple log of what you’ve observed at home. Specific examples are often more helpful than general statements when discussing concerns with the school team. Share this with your IEP team and ask for it to be included in your parent concerns.

8. How do I know if the IEP is actually being followed?

Stay engaged early.

Ask your child’s teacher how communication will work throughout the year. Some families benefit from weekly emails, communication notebooks, or scheduled progress updates.

Keep notes about services, concerns, and conversations. Having organized records makes it much easier to address issues if they arise later.

CaringTide Tip: If you have concerns, assume positive intent first. A respectful conversation early in the school year often resolves misunderstandings before they become larger issues. To ensure transparency, you have the right to request access to Inclusive Support logs, Accommodation Logs, and Raw Data Sheets tracking progress toward IEP goals.

9. Can accommodations change when my child gets a new teacher?

No.

The classroom may change, but the IEP follows your child—not the teacher.

Every educator responsible for implementing the IEP should understand the accommodations and supports they are expected to provide. If you notice accommodations are not being implemented consistently, request a conversation with the school as soon as possible to problem-solve together.

CaringTide Tip: Give the new teacher a little time to establish classroom routines, but don’t hesitate to ask questions if you notice accommodations are missing. Early communication helps everyone succeed.

10. How can I help my child have a successful first week?

Small steps often make the biggest difference.

Try to:

• Keep routines consistent.
• Talk positively about school.
• Celebrate small successes.
• Communicate openly with the teacher.
• Give your child time to adjust to new expectations.
• Use Visual Schedules and Social Stories.
• Provide space for strong emotions and periods of dysregulation.

Remember that transitions can take several weeks. Progress during the first month is often more important than perfection during the first few days.

CaringTide Tip: The first week isn’t about everything going perfectly; it’s about building relationships, learning routines, and gathering information. Stay flexible, celebrate the wins, and remember that your partnership with the school will continue long after the first day. 

Final Thoughts

The beginning of the school year is an opportunity to build positive relationships, establish routines, and set the foundation for success. While every child’s educational journey is different, proactive planning and open communication can help create a smoother transition for everyone involved. At CaringTide, we believe families are important members of the IEP team. By understanding your rights, staying organized, and partnering with your child’s school, you can help ensure your child begins the school year with the supports they need to learn, grow, and thrive.

Disclaimer: This article is intended for educational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. If you have questions about your child’s specific educational needs or legal rights under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), consider consulting with a qualified special education advocate or attorney.