Do IEPs Transfer from School to School?

Wednesday, August 05, 2020

Continuity Is Crucial

While education plays a vital role in the success of any student, it’s even more crucial for students with an autism spectrum disorder or special learning challenge. Whether you’re switching schools in different states, switching schools in different districts or switching to a special needs school for the first time, transferring your student can pose some special challenges. For families with children who have special learning and social needs – including ADHD, dyslexia and autism – continuity is especially important to the academic success rate of children with unique learning challenges.

Find a Team of Experts That Can Plan for Your Child’s Success

If you are planning to transfer your child, look for a school system with a team of special education experts that can help you address any adjustments to your student’s IEP. Look for a school where specialists work collaboratively with your family and your student’s team of doctors and therapists – for both classroom and at-home learning.

Do Your Homework

If you’re seeking to transfer your child’s IEP, it’s important to arm yourself with solid research and common sense.

Look for a school that offers a strong academic program that also focuses on behavior management skills, daily living and vocational skills.

Second, if you choose to enroll your child in private school, know that scholarships may be available to help offset the cost. It’s important that your child’s new school understands how to access this additional funding and can help you with the application process. Learn moreabout scholarship opportunities available for students with an IEP.

How Julie Billiart Schools Go Beyond a Student’s IEP

Learning Approach

• Certified intervention specialists and licensed therapists work collaboratively to ensure consistency and continuity.
• Whole child approach -- addressing academic, social, spiritual and emotional needs
• Individualized learning programs -- adapted to meet the unique needs of each student
• Foster self-esteem and confidence among students to reduce fear, build trust, encourage our students to take academic risks, and advocate for themselves
• On-site therapies promote creative and engaging solutions

Learning Environment

• Adaptable to meet the specific learning needs of our students
• Family-like atmosphere that is loving, accepting and welcoming
• Low student-teacher ratios allow for individualized instruction and learning

Sensory-Friendly Environment

• Flexible seating options
• Sound absorbing carpeting
• Soothing colors
• Muted lighting
• ActivPanel smartboards for multisensory learning
• Access to Chromebooks or iPads

On-Site Therapies *

Board-Certified Behavior Analysts train, consult and assist our teaching staff to develop appropriate behavior supports:

• Developing functional replacements such as calm down strategies
• Understanding another person's perspective
• Adapting to changes in schedule and environment

Art therapy promotes mental and emotional growth:

• Communication skills
• Eye-hand coordination
• Social skills
• Self-confidence

Music therapy addresses the physical, learning, emotional and social needs:

• Facilitate movement
• Provide avenues of communication
• Express feelings

Occupational therapy empowers students with everyday developmental skills:

• Fine motor and bilateral coordination
• Functional usage of hands and handwriting
• Self-regulation skills
• Creative solutions for activities of daily living (e.g., dressing, eating)
• Executive function skills
• Sensory processing/integrations

Speech Language Pathologists (SLP)

• Articulation and speech sound disorders
• Receptive and expressive language deficits
• Language learning deficits
• Oral motor difficulties
• Social/Pragmatic language deficits

Culture

• Students are loved, accepted and given a sense of belonging
• Cultivate a complete understanding of how each student learns
• Recognize each student has unique gifts and talents
• Students are expected to work to their potential -- regardless of their abilities
• Nurture relationships and collaborate with our students’ families to ensure continuity, offer support, and build community

Consider Your Child’s Future

Every program takes a unique approach to teaching children with special learning needs. However, you are the best advocate for your child. Take into account the factors that you know will make a significant impact both on your student’s education and their ability to thrive socially: curriculum, small class size, student/teacher ratio, individualized instruction, collaborative approach with doctors and counselors, flexible learning environment, onsite therapies and assists, social interaction, family involvement, and more. Backed by common sense and solid research, you’re sure to make the right decision to assure your child’s success.

Thinking about joining the Julie Billiart Schools family?

Special education is our focus...all day, every day. Contact us to learn more about Julie Billiart Schools and how we help children with IEPs. Attend an Interested Parent Open House or begin the online application today!

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