Supporting Students with IEPs During the Transition Back to School

It’s almost back-to-school season. New backpacks, fresh markers, and the nervous excitement of starting a new grade.

While it’s a thrilling time for many, it can also bring some extra challenges for our students with IEPs (Individualized Education Programs). As a school-based speech-language pathologist, I see firsthand how crucial it is to support these students as they transition back into the routine of school life.

Whether your student is starting at a new building, working with a new teacher, or just adjusting to post-summer structure, here are a few ways we can help make that transition smoother:

1. Review the IEP: Before that first day with students, be sure to take the time to look over or revisit their IEP. Even if you worked with them last year, a summer away could make details a little fuzzy. Things to keep in mind when reviewing:
   1. Current goals and service minutes
   2. Accommodations (like extended time, visual supports, or movement breaks)
   3. Any behavior plans or communication devices they use

2. Rebuild the Relationship: Summer break can create some distance between students and service providers. Use the first few sessions to reestablish trust and comfort. Don’t dive straight into drills and data. Things to try:
   1. A first day of speech “get-to-know-you” activity
   2. Playing a favorite game while catching up
   3. Creating a visual schedule or “What to Expect” chart for sessions

3. Support Routine & Structure: Many students with IEPs thrive on predictability. The first few weeks of school can feel chaotic, so offering structure can ease anxiety and improve engagement. Things to try:
   1. Use consistent visuals (like First/Then boards or weekly therapy schedules)
   2. Keep session routines predictable: greeting → warm-up → activity → review
   3. Collaborate with special ed/gen ed teachers to ensure supports are used consistently

4. Advocate & Collaborate: Remember, we’re part of a team. Teachers are juggling a lot this time of year, and sometimes IEP details can slip through the cracks unintentionally. Things to try:
   1. Share quick “IEP snapshots” with teachers
   2. Offer simple classroom strategies aligned with speech/language goals
   3. Communicate any changes in the student’s needs that come up early in the year

Transitions can be hard. Progress may look slow, or behavior may regress a bit. That’s okay. The beginning of the year is about laying a strong foundation. Connection first, then communication!

Author: Camryn Harwick, M.S., CCC-SLP