Why Parents Should Connect Therapists and Teachers Early
By Jenny Peterson
Setting children up for a successful school year often includes shopping for supplies, new clothes and backpacks. But another important layer of preparation is ensuring a child’s therapy and healthcare support systems are coordinated with school staff from the beginning of the year.
“The more your child’s team understands your child’s needs from the beginning, the more successful the school year is likely to be,” said Amy Holbert, Chief Executive Officer with Family Connection South Carolina, a nonprofit that promotes inclusion for those with disabilities and special healthcare needs.
Building a School Support Team
Whether it’s a child attending school for the first time or a returning student, “the beginning of the school year is the perfect time to connect with teachers, administrators, counselors, nurses and other members of the school team about children who have ongoing healthcare needs,” Holbert said.
Common conditions that may necessitate school-based support include autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, anxiety, depression, learning disabilities, speech and language disorders, Down syndrome, cerebral palsy, epilepsy, diabetes and asthma.
For some children, support may include needing communication devices, sensory breaks, help with transitions or classroom accommodations that make participation easier. Even small adjustments can significantly improve a child’s confidence, comfort and ability to engage in learning.
Working Together With Schools
Holbert said it’s important to note that a formal diagnosis is not required to begin conversations with schools about ways to help support their children.
“Parents who notice concerns related to learning, behavior, communication, development or health can still reach out to schools to request support,” Holbert said. “Having conversations with teachers and staff can help prevent misunderstandings, ensure accommodations are in place and create a spirit of partnership between families and schools.”
Early coordination helps bridge the gap between home, therapy and classroom settings and builds consistency around expectations and routines.
“Often, it is not one big change, but a series of small supports that help them feel safe, understood and ready to learn,” Holbert said.
Navigating School Services and Special Education
For more intensive interventions, families have relied on Family Connection South Carolina for help with navigating services like TEFRA Medicaid eligibility, BabyNet early intervention and services through the South Carolina Department of Disabilities and Special Needs.
The family-focused nonprofit guides parents through evaluations, school services, special education planning and helping start those conversations with the school.
“(These processes) can feel overwhelming, particularly for families who are new to the process. Schools have their own language, timelines and procedures. Family Connection’s role is to help parents understand the system so they can confidently participate in decisions about their child’s education,” Holbert said.
Parents always remain in full control of what sensitive medical information is shared with schools, including therapy goals, communication styles, sensory sensitivities, mobility needs, feeding plans and medication schedules. In most cases, written consent is required before care coordination.
Holbert said early conversations all share the same goal: helping every child feel supported, included and ready to learn.
As the first day of school jitters set in, parents should remember they don’t have to navigate the process alone.
