11 Aug 2025 
Starting school or returning after a break can bring a mix of excitement and nerves. From new classrooms to unfamiliar routines, the change can feel overwhelming for students and parents alike. The good news is that a little preparation goes a long way. With the right mix of structure, encouragement, and understanding, you can help your child step into this new season feeling confident and supported.
Start Routines Early
Don’t wait until the night before the first day to adjust bedtime and wake-up schedules. Begin at least a week ahead so your child’s body and mind can adapt gradually. This helps reduce fatigue and morning stress, making the first week more enjoyable for everyone.
Visit the School Ahead of Time
If possible, arrange a visit to the school before classes begin. Walk the hallways, locate the classroom, and check out important spaces like the cafeteria, playground, and bathrooms. Turning the “unknown” into the “familiar” helps children feel more comfortable and confident on day one.
Practice the Commute
If your child will be walking, biking, riding the bus, or being dropped off, do a practice run. Knowing exactly how they’ll get to and from school can help them feel more in control and less anxious.
Create a Goodbye Ritual
Separation can be emotional, especially for younger children. A consistent goodbye handshake, hug, or short phrase reassures them that parting is just part of the plan — and that you’ll be back. Keep it short, confident, and positive to help them settle into the day smoothly.
Get Supplies Together
Invite your child to choose their backpack, lunchbox, or a special notebook. Involving them in decisions fosters ownership and excitement. Be sure to label everything to help prevent confusion or loss, especially in the first few weeks.
Assign Small Responsibilities
Whether it’s packing their snack, laying out their clothes, or carrying their homework folder, giving your child small daily tasks builds independence and confidence.
Walk Through the Day
Have open, positive conversations about what their school day might look like. Talk about who they’ll meet, what activities they’ll do, and how the schedule might flow. Encourage them to share any worries and remind them it’s okay not to have all the answers right now — you can discover new things together.
Validate Emotions
It’s normal for children to feel nervous, sad, or uncertain during big transitions. Let them know these feelings are valid. Share times you’ve had to adjust to something new and how you handled it. Celebrate small victories, like making a new friend or trying a new activity.
Use Stories and Role Play
Reading books about starting school or role-playing common situations — like introducing themselves or asking for help — can give children a safe space to practice and prepare.
Focus on Strengths
Highlight what your child does well, whether it’s being kind, asking good questions, or trying their best. This reinforces their self-worth and helps them feel ready to take on new challenges.
Model Calm and Confidence
Children take emotional cues from parents and caregivers. If you stay calm, optimistic, and patient, your child is more likely to mirror that attitude.
Create a Post-School Routine
Having a predictable wind-down after school — whether it’s snack time, playtime, or a short chat about their day — helps children decompress and look forward to coming home.
Transitions can be challenging, but they’re also filled with opportunities for growth, independence, and discovery. By starting routines early, giving your child a sense of control, talking openly about what’s ahead, and keeping home life supportive and consistent, you set the stage for a school year filled with confidence and success.
With patience, preparation, and positivity, the start of school can become manageable and exciting for both you and your child.
As the Back-to-School season begins, August is a perfect reminder for families that healthy vision is key to their child’s school success. At Total Education Solutions (TES), we support children of all abilities in their learning and development. While backpacks and new shoes are exciting, one of the most important “school supplies” is clear, healthy […]
Anxiety touches nearly every child at some point in their development. But for autistic and neurodivergent children, it can surface earlier, run deeper, and show up in ways that are sometimes easy to miss. It’s completely normal for children to feel anxious from time to time—whether they’re facing a big test, starting a new school, […]
Summer is a time for kids to relax, play, and explore—but it’s also a golden opportunity to keep their minds engaged and build a lifelong love of reading. A Summer Reading Challenge helps prevent the “summer slide,” supports academic growth, and transforms reading into a fun, adventure-filled activity the whole family can enjoy. Why a […]
At Total Education Solutions (TES), we believe in empowering individuals of all abilities through compassionate, evidence-based care. One of the cornerstone services we offer is Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapy, which is currently the most evidence-based and widely used intervention for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD), especially when started early and tailored to the […]
Every May, we pause to celebrate the true heroes of education—our teachers. During Teacher Appreciation Week, Total Education Solutions (TES) honors the dedicated educators who work across our clinics, classrooms, and community programs to support children and individuals of all abilities. Our TES teachers go beyond traditional instruction. They adapt lessons for children with autism, […]
As April comes to a close, we’re taking a moment to recognize the incredible work of our Occupational Therapists and the life-changing impact they have on the children and families we serve. Although Occupational Therapy Month may be wrapping up, the importance of this essential service continues every day of the year. At Total Education […]
Parenting a child with autism comes with unique joys and challenges, but one question often looms over families: What happens when we are no longer here to guide and protect our children? For Francisco Duran, a father of a son on the autism spectrum and a talented filmmaker, this question is both personal and urgent. […]
Thanksgiving break is the perfect opportunity to slow down, enjoy family time, and celebrate what matters most. From expressing gratitude to creating holiday crafts to enjoying cozy indoor activities, we’ve put together a list here of ideas to make this Thanksgiving fun and meaningful for all ages! Starting New Traditions Taking time to reflect on […]
When planning for emergencies, it’s crucial to recognize that individuals with special needs—whether children or adults—may require extra attention and preparation. Emergencies such as natural disasters, power outages, or evacuations can be especially challenging for families and caregivers. Having a well-thought-out emergency preparedness plan can make all the difference. In this guide, we’ll cover essential […]
Halloween is a time of excitement for many children, filled with costumes, candy, and fun activities. However, for children on the autism spectrum, Halloween can sometimes be overwhelming due to sensory sensitivities and unexpected changes in routine. With some planning and awareness, you can ensure your child has a safe, enjoyable, and stress-free Halloween. Understanding […]
Navigating the special education system can be overwhelming for parents, especially when it comes to understanding the Individualized Education Plan (IEP) process. This guide will help you understand what an IEP is, how it is developed, and how you, as a parent, can play a vital role in ensuring your child receives the support they […]
Celebrating NICU Awareness Month September is NICU Awareness Month. It’s a time to honor families and health professionals who are part of the neonatal intensive care unit (NICU), where premature babies (born before 37 weeks of pregnancy) or sick newborns are cared for. Many of the babies we see for services had a NICU stay. […]
