Back to School Not Back to Struggle
The Start of a New School Year Can Be a Fresh Start—With the Right Plan
Backpacks are packed. Lunches are labeled. The first-day photo is taken. But if you're the parent of a child with special needs, the real “back to school” prep is happening behind the scenes—and it’s not as simple as buying supplies.
You're wondering:
Will the teacher follow the IEP?
Will accommodations actually be used?
Will my child feel understood—or misunderstood?
As a former special education teacher and now full-time advocate, I’ve seen what goes wrong at the start of a school year—and what works when families are prepared.
Why the First 30 Days Matter
The first month of school is critical. Teachers are setting expectations. Class routines are forming. And decisions made now often carry through the entire school year.
If your child has an IEP or 504 Plan, it’s vital that those supports are in place from Day One.
Unfortunately, I’ve worked with too many families who found out—weeks or months later—that their child’s teacher never even saw the IEP.
That’s why I encourage families across The Woodlands, Spring, Magnolia, and Conroe to take 3 simple, proactive steps:
3 Back-to-School Advocacy Tips for Parents
Send a Parent Summary Letter
Write a short, friendly email to your child’s teacher introducing your child and highlighting 2–3 key accommodations or goals. Attach the IEP or 504 if needed.
This helps ensure the teacher knows what your child needs from day one.Schedule a Check-In Within the First 30 Days
Don’t wait for the October parent conference. Request a 15-minute meeting or phone call to ask how things are going with IEP implementation.Monitor and Document
Ask your child questions about their school day. Are they getting their breaks? Are tests being read aloud? Keep notes. If things aren’t happening as written, you have a record.
If Something Feels Off, You’re Probably Right
Parents are often the first to notice when something isn’t working—but they don’t always feel empowered to speak up. That’s where I come in.
At Whole Child Advocacy, I help families:
Review current IEPs or 504 Plans before the school year begins
Create personalized back-to-school strategies
Draft advocacy letters and communication templates
Attend early-year meetings to ensure implementation fidelity
Let’s Make This Year the Best One Yet
Whether you're just getting started with an IEP or preparing for a mid-year check-in, you don’t have to do it alone. I work with families across Montgomery County and surrounding areas.
Book your back-to-school review now
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