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Starting a new school year often brings a mix of excitement and anxiety, especially if your child has additional needs. As a parent, you naturally want to ensure that their new teacher understands their unique requirements from the start. The instinct to provide the teacher with every detail about your child’s preferences, triggers, and strategies is strong — and completely understandable.
However, as both a parent and a former teacher, I know that sometimes too much information too quickly can lead to the most important details being missed. The goal is to give your child’s teacher the tools to support your child without overwhelming them in the process.
The Importance of Gradual Information Sharing
When your child has an Education, Health, and Care (EHC) plan or an Individual Education Plan (IEP), rest assured that their teacher will have access to the key educational and support information outlined in these documents. These plans contain vital details on accommodations and strategies that the school is obligated to follow.
That being said, there is value in providing a more personal perspective to supplement the official plans. However, rather than bombarding the teacher with too much all at once, it’s best to take a balanced approach. Early in the year, focus on the essentials that will help the teacher build a connection with your child.
What Information to Share First
A great starting point is a brief overview of your child’s likes, dislikes, and potential triggers. This kind of personal insight can make a world of difference in helping the teacher understand who your child is beyond their academic needs. Consider sharing things like:
- What activities your child enjoys and excels at.
- Situations that might cause anxiety or overstimulation.
- Early signs that your child is becoming overwhelmed.
- Simple strategies that help them calm down or refocus.
These details can be more effective in the early weeks than overwhelming the teacher with every aspect of your child’s profile. It gives your child’s teacher an opportunity to connect with them as an individual while getting to know the specific learning strategies outlined in their educational plan.
The Benefits of Building the Teacher-Child Relationship Naturally
By starting with these basic but crucial details, you allow space for your child and their new teacher to develop a positive and natural relationship. Teachers often appreciate this gradual approach because it helps them absorb the most important information while observing your child’s behavior in real-time.
In those first few weeks, you’ll have opportunities to see how things are progressing. If any of your child’s needs are not being met, you can always schedule a follow-up conversation to provide more specific feedback. This way, the communication remains open and ongoing without overwhelming anyone at the beginning.
Final Thoughts
Giving your child's teacher a brief overview of their likes and dislikes and making sure they know them is a really good starting point at this time of year. Assuming they already have access to an education plan, you can also highlight any key details, such as what may trigger a meltdown and how to help if your child shows signs of becoming overwhelmed.
This small, thoughtful approach in the early weeks not only helps your child transition more smoothly into the new school year, but also allows their teacher to feel confident in providing the best support possible. Together, you can create a supportive and positive environment where your child can thrive.
By pacing the information and focusing on building a strong teacher-child relationship, you’re setting the stage for success throughout the year.
Download our parent sensory information sheet to help you communicate sensory needs on one side of A4, clearly laid out. This helps the teacher understand what will trigger meltdowns and challenging behaviour, too. Click "buy now" and head to our shop where you can download it for free!
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