Questions to Ask Before the First Day of School
By: Dr. Gabrielle Baker, President & Advocate
The first day of school often arrives with excitement, nerves, and a long list of things to do. For parents of children with IEPs or Section 504 Plans, it's also an opportunity to make sure the school is prepared to meet your child's needs from day one.
Many of the issues we see throughout the school year could have been prevented with a few simple conversations before school started. Asking the right questions early can help identify concerns, clarify expectations, and build a positive working relationship with your child's team.
Here are some of the most important questions every parent should ask before the first day of school.
1. Has Everyone Who Works With My Child Reviewed Their IEP or 504 Plan?
Your child's teachers, related service providers, paraprofessionals, and other staff responsible for implementing accommodations should be familiar with the supports outlined in the plan.
While schools are responsible for ensuring staff know their responsibilities, it's reasonable to ask how that information has been shared before school begins.
2. Who Will Be My Primary Point of Contact?
Knowing who to reach out to can save valuable time when questions or concerns arise.
Ask who will serve as your primary contact throughout the year. This may be:
The case manager
The special education teacher
A counselor
An assistant principal
Another designated staff member
Having one consistent point of contact helps keep communication organized.
3. When Will My Child Receive Their Services?
Understanding when services occur helps you monitor whether your child's IEP is being implemented.
Ask questions such as:
When will speech therapy occur?
When is specialized instruction provided?
How are occupational therapy services scheduled?
Will services begin on the first day of school?
Knowing the schedule makes it easier to recognize if services are delayed or missed.
4. How Will We Communicate Throughout the School Year?
Every family has different communication preferences.
Discuss:
Email updates
Communication notebooks
Weekly progress reports
Behavior logs
Phone calls when concerns arise
Setting expectations early can prevent misunderstandings later.
5. Are All Accommodations Ready to Be Implemented?
Some accommodations require preparation before students arrive.
Examples include:
Assistive technology
Alternative seating
Visual schedules
Sensory supports
Testing accommodations
Transportation arrangements
Confirming these supports are in place before school starts helps ensure your child receives what they need immediately.
6. How Will Progress Be Measured?
Parents should understand how the school will determine whether their child is making meaningful progress.
Ask:
What data will be collected?
How often will progress be monitored?
When will progress reports be sent home?
What happens if progress stalls?
Meaningful progress is based on objective data, not general impressions.
7. What Should I Do If I Have Concerns?
Problems are much easier to resolve when everyone understands the process.
Ask who should be contacted first and how concerns are typically addressed.
A collaborative approach often leads to faster solutions.
8. Are There Any Changes From Last Year That I Should Know About?
Staffing and scheduling changes happen every year.
Ask about:
New teachers
New therapists
Changes in classroom placement
Changes in service providers
Program changes
Knowing about these changes helps you prepare your child for a successful transition.
9. What Will the First Few Weeks Look Like?
The beginning of the school year often looks different from the rest of the year.
Ask whether there will be:
Orientation activities
Schedule changes
Modified routines
Gradual transitions
Special events
This information can be especially helpful for students who thrive on predictability.
10. Is There Anything You Need From Me?
Teachers appreciate when parents are proactive.
Offer to provide:
Updated medical information
Physician documentation
Emergency contacts
Sensory preferences
Behavior strategies that work at home
Information about your child's interests and strengths
You know your child best, and sharing that information can help staff build positive relationships from the start.
Start the Year as Partners
Beginning the school year with open communication sets the tone for everything that follows.
Remember, asking questions isn't about being difficult or assuming something will go wrong. It's about making sure everyone understands your child's needs and is prepared to provide the supports they've already been determined to need.
When parents and schools communicate early, students are more likely to have a successful start to the year.
If you're unsure whether your child's IEP or 504 Plan is ready for the upcoming school year, consider having it reviewed before classes begin. A proactive review can often identify concerns before they become bigger problems.
