Fall is a season when students are changing classes or resuming a regular school plan after the restful summer break. With the changes happening anyway, it is a time to evaluate or reevaluate the plan laid out for your child with learning disabilities.

Kids change when they grow and the program from the previous school year may need adjusting or changing to take into consideration growth over the summer in socialization, emotional responses, mental outlook and maturity, in addition to an obvious physical growth spurt.

Annual health exam
One approach is to start out with an annual physical exam with the student's pediatrician or health care providers. Take your own copy of weight and height records, as well as vaccination records to be sure your health care provider has an up to date record, particularly if changing providers.

Before going in for the annual exam, compile a list of concerns or questions since the previous visit. Doctors appreciate having a list to peruse. It saves time calling in later with forgotten questions.

Arrange for any recommended dental, hearing or vision tests. These areas affect the performance of every child in the classroom and overall success in education. Even if your child has not had problems in the past with dental needs, hearing or seeing, symptoms can begin at any time and need prompt attention.

Physical development, emotional and mental concerns
Tell your provider about the physical skills your child has developed over the past year. The doctor can then get an idea if he is on track with his age group and skill level, especially if he has a physical disability.

In the list for the doctor, note any concerns or fears your child has brought up - a term of counseling can help alleviate those fears of the dark, being left, being kidnapped or other fear where the child feels they will not be able to cope.

The new classroom
Check out your child's new classroom and talk to her teacher ahead of time. Mention you are a concerned parent. It opens the door to open communication right from the beginning of the school year so any situations can be discussed before they escalate. It is beneficial to your student that you and the teacher or teachers have a good understanding about any new developments with your child that happened over the summer - everything in a child's life impacts school performance.

Meet the staff
Before you and your child step into the new school year take time to tell your child about any changes from the previous year coming up such as new classroom or teacher so they can be a little bit prepared for a different routine and new faces. Take time to drop by the classroom before the first day of school to meet the staff - make an appointment at the school office first.

Stay on top of concerns
Above all, keep abreast of any concerns your student shows during the school year, and for the child's benefit, address the issues as they occur, rather than saving them up for conferences.

Everyone, have a safe start to the new school year!

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Article by Susan Kramer