It's back to school time! Is your family ready? 

Here are some words of wisdom from PIN parents across the Southeast area:

"Set up a homework space for your child. Use a desk in their room or put supplies in a basket that they can use at the kitchen table for younger children so you can be nearby. Stock the space with pens, pencils, crayons, folders, and other school supplies so they are ready to go and have everything they need in one place. Color code their planner, notebooks and folders with a different color for each subject." 

~ Cape Parent

"Support your children by making sure the summer reading is done, get the school supplies suggested by their teacher. Email the new teachers as soon as you can to let them know anything helpful about your child and how he reacts in school, any triggers, and any positive or not-so-positive characteristics that would be helpful for them to know. Read all the information that comes home in their take-home folder once school starts and go to back to school night to meet the teachers." 

~ Substitute Teacher and PTAY Parent

"Get ready for school in the next few weeks to be sure that your child is complying with taking their medication consistently, which they may not have been doing all summer. Keep appointments with counselors and doctors. These kids have enough on their plates already and school can be an added stress, but if they go in prepared, rested and ready, it will go smoother." 

~ Plymouth Parent

"Back to school can be a different experience for parents of residential kids. Even things like taking "first day of school" pictures can be challenging. It can be hard when friends and family start sharing first day of school pictures and you may feel you're missing out. Something I found helpful is taking a back to school picture the day before or weekend before school starts.  I let my son put on a new school outfit and take a picture of him posing with his backpack. Then I save it for the first day of school. I feel like it normalizes the experience and makes it feel less isolating." 

~ Taunton Parent

"I had a great experience with the SEPAC (Special Education Services and Programs) at my child's school and I really want to encourage parents to join. Many parents have anxiety about attending because they may not feel they have enough knowledge but it can really make a difference in the schools." 

~ Fall River Parent   

For tips on attending a SEPAC meeting, or if you need guidance with any school-related issues, contact your area PIN Parent Coordinator.