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Simply Special Ed

Resource Downloads & Teaching Advice

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What To Do When You Get a Student Mid Year

We’ve all felt the moment of panic when we find out we are getting a new student. It doesn’t have to be stressful! I am going to walk you through what to do when you get a student mid year so it is a smooth transition for the student and for you.

Don’t Panic!

don't panic!
Don’t panic when you get a new student mid year!

It doesn’t need to be stressful getting a new student! If you follow these four tips, you and your student will have a smooth transition together!

Prep Extras of All the Essentials

extra schedule pieces
Prep extras of all your must haves!

In the summer or beginning of the school year, prep an extra set or two of all your essentials: schedules, daily communication logs, token boards, visuals, blank data sheets, etc. If you have an extra set of your must haves, you’ll immediately feel less stressed. This will also set your new student up for success. You don’t have to have extras of everything, but make sure the essentials are ready to go at a moments notice.

Send Home a Family Questionnaire

Back to School Forms Special Ed
Family questionnaires will help you get to know the student and family better.

Send home your back to school family questionnaire to your new student’s family. These forms will help you get to know your student and family a lot better. I keep these filed in our IEP binders.

Do a Preference Assessment

preference assessment
Do a quick preference assessment to learn your student’s preferred reinforcers.

While your student is getting acclimated to the classroom, do a quick preference assessment to learn what their preferred reinforcers are. This is going to be instrumental in building a relationship with them. You want them to get comfortable with you and see you as the giver of all their favorite things.

Observe, Play, Reinforce

teacher playing with students
Play with your new student!

The first week you have your new student, do these three things: observe, play, reinforce. Let them explore their surroundings and observe what they do and how they interact. Play with them! When you observe them interested in something, interact with them in a fun manner. Reinforce, reinforce, reinforce! Anything positive you see them do, reinforce! The more you reinforce their behavior, the better your relationship will become.

You’ve got this! Above all, make sure their needs are met, have lots of positive interactions with them, and begin building your relationship with them. Check out this blog post for more tips on getting to know your students!

Related Posts:

  • 3 Things to do when Getting a New OT Student
    3 Things to do when Getting a New OT Student
  • How to Keep Student Supplies Separate
    How to Keep Student Supplies Separate
  • 4 Types of Student Schedules
    4 Types of Student Schedules
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Hi amazing teachers!
I'm Alyssa Shanahan -- a former Elementary Special Ed & Life Skills teacher. My classroom focus was always to keep things simple, increase communication, and build independence. Simply Special Ed's goal is to help teachers and students reach their full potential in and out of the classroom!

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