By Melissa Holderby, PT, DPT
Starting a new school year can bring many feelings—excitement, worry, and hope. For families of children with developmental disabilities, this time can be even more challenging. Parents may have questions about how to help their child adjust to new routines, people, and places.
For advice on how to prepare, I spoke with Chad Hilliker, Superintendent of the Hamilton County Educational Service Center (HCESC). Mr. Hilliker has been in education for 34 years, including 11 years working in special education. He shared helpful tips and encouragement for families getting ready for the school year.
In Ohio, there are 51 Educational Service Centers (ESCs). These centers help schools by offering special education services. The Hamilton County ESC works closely with schools to provide speech therapy, occupational therapy, physical therapy, interpreters, and mental health support. “Our job is to support schools so they can better help their students,” Mr. Hilliker explained.
Getting Ready at Home
Preparing for school doesn’t have to wait until the first day. Families can help their child feel more ready by practicing school-like activities at home. Mr. Hilliker suggests trying things like:
- Eating lunch out of their lunchbox
- Practicing opening containers, snack bags, and using utensils they’ll need at lunch
- Wearing their backpack filled with school items around the house
- Playing at the school playground when it’s less busy
- Driving the route to and from school
- Starting the school wake-up routine before the first day
- Reading books or watching short videos about school routines. Your local public library is a great resource!
- Practicing asking for help, raising their hand, or saying “hello” to teachers and classmates
- Visiting the school building ahead of time, if possible, to walk through the classroom, hallways, and bathroom
- Doing quiet activities at home, like puzzles or coloring, to help get used to sitting and focusing for short periods
- Labeling school supplies so your child becomes familiar with their items
These small steps can make a big difference in helping your child feel more confident and comfortable when school begins.
Working with the School
Before school starts, it can be a good idea for parents and children to visit the school building together. “Walk through the halls, visit the classroom, and meet the teacher,” Mr. Hilliker says. Doing this when other students aren’t around can make it less overwhelming for some children.
If possible, try to keep at least one familiar adult on the child’s school team. If there is a new teacher or support staff, plan for a few transition days to help the child adjust.
It can also be helpful for parents to keep all your child’s special education paperwork in one place at home. This makes it easier to find what you need during the school year. A three-ring binder with tabs can work well if you create sections for the IEP, progress reports, report cards, evaluations, and other key documents.
As a parent or caregiver, you are an important member of your child’s education team. Understanding your child’s IEP goals, accommodations, and staying updated on their progress can make a big difference. After all, you know your child best and play a valuable role in ensuring they receive the support they need to succeed.
Common Challenges and How to Help
One of the biggest challenges many students face is feeling ready socially and emotionally. Starting a new school year often means new classmates, teachers, and routines, which can feel overwhelming. Parents and caregivers can help by slowly introducing their child to new social situations before school begins. This might include setting up short playdates, visiting a park when other kids are around, or practicing simple greetings and conversations at home.
It’s also helpful to work on everyday social skills like taking turns during games, asking for help when needed, and staying calm when plans change. Role-playing different situations your child might face at school, like joining a group activity or handling frustration, can build confidence and reduce anxiety.
Having a regular routine at home is just as important. A predictable daily schedule helps children feel more secure because they know what’s coming next. You can create a visual schedule using pictures or simple words to show the order of activities like getting dressed, eating breakfast, and getting ready for school. Starting the school-day routine a week or two early—waking up, getting dressed, and eating breakfast at the usual school time—can make the first day go much more smoothly.
By practicing these skills and routines in a safe, low-stress environment, your child will feel more confident and better prepared to handle the changes that come with a new school year.
“There are so many people in the school who care about the well-being of your child. Find those people and form a positive relationship with them. They will advocate for your child when you aren’t there.”
A Message of Encouragement
As the school year begins, Mr. Hilliker shares an important reminder: “There are so many people in the school who care about the well-being of your child. Find those people and form a positive relationship with them. They will advocate for your child when you aren’t there.”
Preparing for a new school year takes teamwork. Parents, teachers, support staff, and community members all play a part. Getting ready might mean checking IEPs, meeting teachers, and building routines at home.
Every child’s path is different, but the goal is the same: helping each student feel safe, supported, and ready to learn. With strong communication and support, families can move into the new school year with confidence.
Finding Support in the Community
Families don’t have to do it all alone. Mr. Hilliker recommends reaching out to local organizations for help. The groups listed below offer information, services, and people to talk to when families need support.
FCFC was created by county leaders as part of a statewide effort called Ohio Family and Children First. This group brings together government agencies, communities, and families to work as a team. Their goal is to improve the well-being of children and families by helping communities grow stronger, making services work better together, and involving families in the process.
HCDDS is a government agency that has supported people with developmental disabilities for nearly 60 years. Their mission is to support people with developmental disabilities as they live, work, learn, and fully participate in their communities. HCDDS also has a Life Stages Transition Guide, which shares helpful information for families and people with disabilities to help them navigate life’s significant transition times.
OCECD is a nonprofit group that helps families across Ohio who have children with disabilities—from babies to teenagers. They also support teachers and other professionals who work with these children. Their website has lots of helpful information and resources made just for parents and caregivers. It can help you understand and navigate the world of special education.
SSTs help schools by offering support in areas like school improvement, special education, early learning, and family involvement. Each region has its own team—Hamilton County is part of Region 13. SST 13 works with schools and educators to build strong leadership and improve learning for all students. Their goal is to be a trusted partner to schools and help create lasting changes that lead to better outcomes for every student.
Melissa Holderby has been a physical therapist for over 30 years. She currently works with all kinds of clients, from little kids to young adults, especially those with developmental disabilities. At home, she and her husband have three awesome kids, ranging from “just learning to tie their shoes” to “probably paying taxes.” When she’s not busy helping her students or running the parent life marathon, Melissa loves hiking, trying out new restaurants (because cooking every night is overrated), and hanging out with friends who hopefully share their snacks.
