Transitions can be challenging for students and families, whether it’s starting school for the first time, moving into a new classroom, adjusting to a new teacher, or preparing for life after graduation.

In this episode of Helping Families Go Beyond, Loryn Carpenter is joined by school psychologist Dr. Valerie Roth and BCBA Dawn Wisniewski to discuss how families can help students prepare for change throughout their educational journey. They explore school readiness beyond academics, communication and independence skills, preparing for new routines and environments, transitioning toward employment and adulthood, and the importance of keeping evaluations, IEPs, and behavior plans up to date.

They also discuss the bigger goal of education: helping students develop the skills, confidence, independence, and connections they need to be successful beyond the classroom.

Timestamps:

(00:00) School Updates

(02:05) Introducing Valarie Roth and Dawn Wisnewski

(03:45) What is school readiness?

(10:25) Transitioning within school, moving classrooms, teachers, etc

(15:00) How can we help our students adapt to change?

(19:05) Are we preparing students to be successful in school or life?

(23:45) What paperwork should parents be aware of when students are transitioning schools?

(35:40) What does every family need to know before their child goes to high school?