The start of a new school year can present challenges for any student – but those with autism or other intellectual and developmental disabilities might have a tough time with the transition.
Bancroft’s education teams – from the school principals to teachers, social workers, therapists and paraprofessionals – play an integral role in helping students and their families navigate challenging times.
Principals Francine Faltz (The Bancroft School), Lisa Scaringelli (Preschool & Early Education), Gary Pignatello (Kohler Academy), and Colleen Valentino (The Bancroft School at Voorhees Pediatric Facility) share how they help their school communities start a new school year on the right foot.
What are some of the challenges students with special needs may face returning to school?
Lisa:
At the Preschool & Early Education Program, some students will attend school for the very first time. There is a sense of uncertainty for the students and parents because it’s all new to them. We try our best to assist parents in preparing their children for this new experience to create a more manageable transition period.
Colleen:
Students may experience anxiety or uncertainty as they transition to a new school routine and develop relationships with new staff and peers. For students with medical needs, families struggle to find consistent nursing services for their children to attend a community school, resulting in excessive absences due to the lack of nursing support. At the Bancroft School at Voorhees Pediatric Facility, nurses are part of our educational team in each classroom and provide the daily medical support our students require.
How can parents support their children when transitioning back to school?
Francine:
Parents play an essential role in helping their children transition back to school by maintaining a routine and structure at home during the summer retreat. These routines can help students feel more secure and prepared for school and help establish a structure for transitioning back to school in the fall and adapting to the change. In addition, practicing social skills, such as role-playing social situations and practicing appropriate behaviors, can help students feel more confident and prepared to interact with their peers.
Gary:
The best way parents can support their children’s transition is to have an established morning routine. Routines and schedules can help students build a greater sense of confidence and life skills. Additionally, this morning routine creates structure and stability, which can significantly reduce stress and anxiety for both the children and the parents. Over time, adhering to a consistent morning routine can foster independence in children, preparing them for successful futures.
How can parents and teachers work together to address any behavioral challenges that may arise?
Lisa:
Whether they communicate verbally or nonverbally, children may experience difficulties in expressing themselves effectively. This can lead to frustration and challenging behaviors. Make sure the school staff understands your child’s needs, communication preferences and personal triggers. It’s helpful to have a plan in place to manage any tantrums your child may have in order to help them adjust to a new school environment. Together, you can create an environment to reduce as many stressors as possible from the beginning.
Francine:
Parents and teachers can work together to address behavioral challenges by establishing clear expectations for behavior at home and school. This can help students understand what is expected of them and minimize confusion. Positive reinforcement is another effective strategy. Rewarding positive behaviors can encourage students to repeat those behaviors. Just be sure that behavior plans are consistent in both school and home environments.
As school principals, how do you support the parents of the students?
Colleen:
We support our parents by being visible, having an open door policy, open communication, open invitation for classroom visits, workshops, trainings, and collaborating with families during interdisciplinary meetings. This approach helps foster a strong community atmosphere and ensures that parents feel valued and involved in their children’s education, leading to a more enriching learning experience for the students.
Gary:
The best way we can support parents is to stay connected. Many parents feel anxious about sending their children back to school. Imagine a situation where your child starts school for the first time and cannot effectively communicate their needs to unfamiliar people. This can be nerve-wracking for parents, so we strive to keep them calm and happy by keeping the lines of communication open and transparent.
Can you share some of the ways you communicate with your team?
Gary:
At Kohler, we have daily teacher/staff meetings before the school day begins. We want to make sure everyone is prepared and on the same page before students begin arriving at school. In addition, my door is always open to faculty and staff, and I make sure they know that. If they have any ideas, concerns and/or questions, I’m always available to talk.
Francine:
Clear communication with your team is crucial for a successful school. At The Bancroft School, we hold regular staff meetings and workshops to discuss school goals, challenges, and best practices and to encourage collaboration to bring ideas to life. I also conduct one-on-one meetings to address individual concerns, use email and instant messaging for quick information sharing, and maintain an open-door policy for any staff needing to talk. A suggestion box is available in the main office for those unable to meet directly. You’ll often find me in the halls, greeting the staff and engaging in friendly conversations.
What activities or new experiences do you look forward to this school year?
Lisa:
We’re thrilled to welcome new students and staff this year, and, though it was hard to say goodbye to our graduates in June, we celebrated their success and wished them well in their future middle school adventures. Our school year will open with a newly renovated sensory room, made possible by a grant from Holman. Words cannot adequately express how grateful we are to our donors for making it possible for our students to enrich their daily experience. I’m so excited for our students to experience it, I think they’re going to love it!
Colleen:
We’re excited to introduce new assistive technology to promote independence, including VR programs, assistive technology to activate various appliances, musical devices/instruments, and games using eye or muscle movement. We’re also introducing virtual field trips and have acquired two wheelchair-accessible vans for our community-based instructional program, allowing students to explore the local area, attend events, and practice social skills during outings. Additionally, we’re expanding our Canine Classmate Program with weekly scheduled visits with Joye, our Canine Companion. Joye assists our students with modeling instruction, encouraging social interaction, and providing emotional support.
At Bancroft, our dedicated educators, therapists, and staff are committed to supporting each student’s unique journey. By fostering a close partnership with families and providing individualized care and instruction, we help students thrive both inside and outside the classroom. Whether your child is starting school for the first time or transitioning to a new routine, our team is here to help make the experience as smooth and rewarding as possible.
Want to learn more about our education programs and how Bancroft can support your child’s needs? Visit our Special Education page for more information about our schools and services.
Contributors
Francine Faltz
Principal, The Bancroft School
Lisa Scaringelli
Principal, Preschool & Early Education Program
Gary Pignatello
Principal, Kohler Academy
Colleen Rowan-Valentino
Principal, Voorhees Pediatric Facility
