Transitioning back to school

Pandemic or no pandemic, August is when parents need to help their kids transition from summer to back to school.

Current circumstances, however, make this task more difficult than ever, especially for children with special needs.

Nicki Salfer, MA, MS, BCBA, is the founder of Tree of Knowledge Learning Academy (TOKLA), which has locations in Cleveland Heights, Ohio; Miami, Florida; and Lakewood, New Jersey. Salfer and her team provide a range of services to students in a variety of settings, from therapeutic and behavioral supports to customized academic learning, at home, in hospitals and in schools.

For TOKLA students and their support professionals, online learning isn’t new. Salfer has integrated online and blended learning programs into students’ academic and behavioral plans for more than 20 years. COVID-19 has thrown us all for a loop, but virtual learning options can help reinstate some stability.

“A much greater concern is the mental health of children,” Salfer says. “Adults have to stay calm. We are going to need to be flexible and make the best decisions we can with the current data. We also don’t want to judge what anyone else is doing.”

She advises parents who have children with special needs to contact their school district about the special needs services and offerings, including whether supports will be implemented remotely or in-person.

1. SCHEDULE: It’s important for kids to get back into a routine by having a structured day, even if they are not yet returning to a brick-and-mortar school building. Salfer recommends having a consistent daily wake-up time and bedtime to help kids acclimate to a regular schedule. 2. TIME AWAY FROM TECHNOLOGY: For kids, summer 2020 wasn’t filled with the typical adventures of camp, trips and the like. Instead, many children were using their electronic devices far more than usual. And furthermore, many schools may resume with online-only platforms. Salfer recommends two crucial tips: Before school begins, try to keep kids off the computer and phones for the present, Salfer says. And have them participate in activities such as reading books, playing board games, and engaging in socially distant in-person/hands-on games with others, which has the added benefit of preparing kids to develop strong social skills. 3. GET MOVING AND EAT HEALTHFULLY: If you haven’t already, help kids establish a regular exercise routine and eat healthier foods throughout the day. “When away from home, find places for them to walk or participate in aerobic activities, such as swimming,” Salfer says. “Now is also the time to cut back on sugar.”

Contact TOKLA today to find out more about how Nicki Salfer and her team can help your child succeed.