Setting Up Success: Essential Communication Lines Before Back-to-School
By Angela Khater, MA, BCBA | Clinical Director at IOA
The transition back to school can be both exciting and overwhelming for families receiving ABA services. One of the most important steps you can take to ensure a smooth start to the academic year is establishing clear, open lines of communication with your child’s school team before the first day arrives.
Why Early Communication Matters
Children with autism and developmental differences benefit from consistency and preparation. By connecting with your child’s school team early, you’re not just gathering information—you’re building the foundation for a collaborative partnership that supports your child all year long.
Essential Contacts to Establish
👩🏫 Know Your Child’s Teacher
Introduce yourself and share insights from ABA therapy—what works, what motivates your child, and any key preferences. Ask how they prefer to communicate: email, phone, or a daily notebook?
👥 Connect with Paraprofessionals (Paras)
These staff members often work directly with students who have IEPs or 504 plans. Learn their names, experience levels, and how they typically share updates with families.
🧩 Meet the Special Education Team
Reach out to the special education coordinator, speech therapist, occupational therapist, and other service providers. Share relevant ABA goals and strategies for a seamless support system.
Key Information to Gather
📍 Classroom layout & daily schedule: Ask if your child can tour the space ahead of time.
🔁 Changes since last year: Lunch times, staffing, dismissal procedures—all can impact children who thrive on routine.
📄 IEP updates: Review the IEP with the team and ensure alignment with current ABA goals and service delivery methods.
Sharing ABA Information Effectively
🎯 Provide a Summary of Current Goals
Include reinforcement systems, communication tools, and behavior plans that have proven effective.
📊 Share Progress Data
Offer insights about attention span, preferred learning modalities, or teaching methods that have worked well.
🔁 Align Strategies Across Settings
Discuss using consistent language, visuals, and routines across home, school, and therapy.
Establishing Communication Systems
📓 Daily Communication: Set up systems like notebooks, emails, or apps for regular updates.
🚨 Emergency Contacts: Confirm up-to-date info and share any crisis protocols.
📆 Regular Check-ins: Schedule ongoing calls or meetings to stay ahead of concerns.
Preparing for Collaboration
✅ Be Proactive, Not Reactive: Starting early avoids last-minute scrambles.
🤝 Foster a Team Mentality: You all share the same goal—your child’s success.
🗂 Document Everything: Save notes from calls, emails, and meetings for future reference.
Making the Most of Pre-School Meetings
If your school offers orientations or meet-the-teacher events:
Come prepared with questions
Bring a summary of your child’s strengths, supports, and needs
Use the time to build rapport—it makes future communication easier
Supporting Your Child’s Transition
Share how your child handles change. Strategies like advance warnings, visual supports, and calming tools can help the school team plan for a smoother transition.
Looking Ahead
Pre-school communication is just the beginning. These relationships will evolve and require care throughout the year. With regular collaboration, flexibility, and a focus on your child’s unique needs, the school year will start strong—and stay strong.
The investment you make now in communication will pay dividends in your child’s success, school team alignment, and your own peace of mind.