Your First Year of Special Education Guide

Starting school is a major milestone—for both children and parents. Whether your child is entering preschool, UPK, kindergarten, or another first school placement, preparation can make the transition smoother and more successful.

This 31-page printable workbook is designed to help families feel organized, informed, and confident before the first day of school. With guided worksheets, checklists, and practical planning pages, you’ll have one place to organize everything you need throughout your child’s first year.

Inside You’ll Find:

✔ My Child at a Glance profile for teachers

✔ School timeline and countdown checklist

✔ School support team directory

✔ Important documents checklist

✔ Building school routines

✔ Independence skills tracker

✔ Communication skills planner (including AAC, PECS, signs, gestures, and visual supports)

✔ School readiness skills assessment

✔ Separation anxiety plan

✔ Understanding your child’s IEP

✔ School placement options explained

✔ Questions to ask before school starts

✔ Meet My Teacher planning page

✔ School transportation planner

✔ Communication log

✔ Daily routine tracker

✔ School supplies checklist (including adaptive equipment, sensory supports, AAC, medical needs, and personal care items)

✔ First month reflection

✔ Recognizing when your child may need additional support

✔ School meeting planner

✔ Advocacy planner

✔ Parent self-care planner

✔ Resources, glossary, and common school acronyms

Designed For:

• Parents and caregivers
• First-time preschool families
• UPK and kindergarten families
• Families entering special education
• Children with disabilities or additional support needs
• Anyone wanting a more organized first year of school

Features:

• Printable PDF
• US Letter (8.5” × 11”)
• 31 full-color pages
• Print at home or complete digitally
• Space to write notes and track progress throughout the year
• Easy-to-follow layouts and parent-friendly explanations

Please Note

This workbook is intended for educational and organizational purposes only. It is not legal, medical, or educational advice and should not replace guidance from your child’s school team or qualified professionals.

Digital PDF Download

✔ Instant access after purchase

✔ No physical product will be shipped

✔ For personal use only

Help your child start school with confidence—and give yourself the tools to feel prepared every step of the way.