It is hard to believe but the return to school is just around the corner. Because of ongoing hygiene measures in your community, things may be more confusing than usual. If you are feeling overwhelmed, you are not alone! Read on to learn how you can make your child’s first day their best day.
Stories
Talking positively about returning to school is a fantastic tool to try. Calendars, social stories and pictures may also help to prepare your child for changes in their routine (Kidder & McDonnel, 2015). Using these tools to empower your child may reduce problem behaviours if they struggle with changes to their routine (Carr et al., 2002).
Pick a quiet time to talk to your child about when they will be returning to school, who will be there (friends!), and some of the fun things that will happen (e.g., gym class).
Include Your Child in Preparations
If you buy your kids new clothes before the first day of school, let them help you to choose. If you order their clothes online, wait until the evening before the first day of school to open the package. This way your child’s excitement to wear their new clothes becomes connected with returning to school (Williams, 1994).
Speak with a Community Worker
Your community is full of helpers. To prepare your child with disabilities for school, call your local clinic and ask to speak with a “Community Worker”. Community Workers cooperate with others to guide you towards the resources that are available in your community. Resources that are not available in your community may be accessible through a program called Jordan’s Principle.
Online Sharing Circle
Disability Programs Specialized Services (DPSS) regularly hosts an online sharing circle for the Cree communities of James Bay. Parents and caregivers of people with disabilities can connect to share their experiences or simply listen. The online sharing circle a safe space to connect with others to combat feelings of isolation.
Now What?
Thinking about change may be uncomfortable. These are just some of the tools that you can use to help manage those feelings as the the big day approaches.
Check out the links below if you are interested in more tools for your child’s return to school!
Resources
Community Schools
Whapmagoostui – Badabin Eeyou School
- School site https://eeyoueducation.ca/youth/schools/whapmagoostui/bes
- Facebook https://www.facebook.com/badabin.eeyou
Wemindji – Joy Ottereyes Memorial School
Wemindji – Maquatua Eeyou School
Waswanipi – École Rainbow Elementary School
- School site https://eeyoueducation.ca/youth/schools/waswanipi/res
- Facebook https://www.facebook.com/WaswanipiSchools/
Waswanipi – École Willie J. Happyjack Memorial School
- School site https://eeyoueducation.ca/youth/schools/waswanipi/wjhms
- Facebook https://www.facebook.com/WaswanipiSchools/
Waskaganish – École Annie Whiskeychan Memorial Elementary School
- School site https://eeyoueducation.ca/youth/schools/waskaganish/eawmes
- Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/608763159165463/
Waskaganish – École Wiinibekuu School
- School site https://eeyoueducation.ca/youth/schools/waskaganish/ews
- Facebook https://www.facebook.com/groups/608763159165463/
Oujé-Bougoumou – Waapihtiiwewan School
- School Site https://eeyoueducation.ca/youth/schools/ouje-bougoumou
- Facebook https://www.facebook.com/WaapihtiiwewanSchool/
Nemaska – Luke Mettaweskum School
- School site https://eeyoueducation.ca/youth/schools/nemaska
- Facebook https://www.facebook.com/elms.qc.ca/
Misstissini – Voyageur Memorial Elementary School
- School site https://eeyoueducation.ca/youth/schools/mistissini/vmes
- Facebook https://www.facebook.com/VoyageurMemorialES/
Misstissini – Voyageur Memorial High School
- School Site https://eeyoueducation.ca/youth/schools/mistissini/vmhs
- Facebook https://www.facebook.com/VoyageurMemorialHS/
Eastmain – Wabannutao Eeyou School
- School Site https://eeyoueducation.ca/youth/schools/eastmain/wes
- Facebook https://www.facebook.com/WabannutaoSchool/
Chisasibi – Waapinichikush Elementary School
- School Site https://eeyoueducation.ca/youth/schools/chisasibi/waapinichikush
- Facebook https://www.facebook.com/waapinichikush/
Chisasibi – James Bay Eeyou School
- School Site https://eeyoueducation.ca/youth/schools/chisasibi/jbes
- Facebook https://www.facebook.com/jbeeyou/
References
Carr, E. G., Dunlap, G., Horner, R. H., Koegel, R. L., Turnbull, A. P., Sailor, W.,
… & Fox, L. (2002). Positive behavior support: Evolution of an applied
science. Journal of positive behavior interventions, 4(1), 4-16.
doi.org/10.1177%2F109830070200400102
Kidder, J. E., & McDonnell, A. P. (2015).Visual Aids for Positive Behavior
Support of Young Children With Autism Spectrum Disorders. Young
Exceptional Children, 20(3), 103–116. doi:10.1177/1096250615586029
Williams, B. A. (1994). Conditioned reinforcement:Experimental and
theoretical issues. The Behavior Analyst, 17, 261–285.
