🌱 A New School Year: What Might a Child With Special Needs Be Feeling?
A New School. New Teachers. New Paraprofessionals. A Whole New Beginning.
For many children, the first days of a new school year can mean excitement.
But for a child with special needs, a new school year can also mean a lot of uncertainty.
Imagine walking into a building where:
The classroom looks different.
The teacher’s voice is unfamiliar.
The daily schedule has changed.
New adults are asking questions.
New classmates are watching.
Familiar routines may no longer feel familiar.
The people who helped you last year may not be there.
A child may not be able to say:
“I feel overwhelmed.”
Instead, their feelings may show through behavior, communication, body language, withdrawal, crying, refusal, increased sensory behaviors, difficulty transitioning, or needing more support than usual.
And sometimes, a child who appears to be “having a difficult time” may actually be saying:
“I don’t know what is happening yet.”
❤️ What parents and educators can remember
A new team needs time to learn the child, not just the child’s IEP.
They need to learn:
How the child communicates
What helps the child feel safe
What triggers frustration or anxiety
Sensory preferences and needs
How the child shows discomfort
How the child asks for help
What motivates the child
What calming strategies work
What successful transitions look like
What the family has learned over the years
The goal should not simply be:
“How do we get this child to adjust?”
It should also be:
“What can we change or provide so this child can successfully adjust?”
📚 What NYS parents should know
In New York State, the Individualized Education Program (IEP) is intended to identify the student’s unique needs and the accommodations, adaptations, specialized services and supports needed for the student to progress. NYSED states that an IEP must be in effect by the beginning of each school year.
NYS also recognizes a range of special education services, including consultant teacher services, resource room, related services, integrated co-teaching and special classes, depending on the individual student’s needs.
NYSED’s 2025 Parent’s Guide to Special Education explains the special education process and the rights and protections available to parents and students under federal and New York State law.
📝 Questions parents can ask the new team
Before or during the beginning of the school year, parents may want to ask:
Who are the people working directly with my child?
How will my child’s communication needs be supported?
What accommodations and supports from the IEP will be implemented?
How will transitions be handled?
What strategies will be used if my child becomes overwhelmed?
How will the team communicate with our family?
How will you know whether my child is adjusting successfully?
When should we communicate if we notice a significant change at home?
How will information from last year’s team be shared with the new team?
What can we do together to make the transition easier?
🌸 A reminder for parents
You don’t have to expect your child to feel comfortable on Day 1.
Adjustment is a process.
Give the child time to learn the new environment. Give the new team time to learn the child. And give yourself permission to ask questions.
Because behind every behavior is a child who is trying to communicate something. And sometimes, they simply need someone willing to listen differently.
🔗 New York State resources
Written by Chotimanee Guandique
Founder & Family Resource Connector
Parents of Brave Hearts
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