March 31, 2025

Preparing Your Child for Summer

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As the school year ends, parents of students experiencing disabilities may face challenges preparing for the summer break. The shift from the structured school routine to a more relaxed summer can be exciting yet overwhelming. Here are some helpful tips for parents to make the most of the transition and enjoy the summer:

Evaluate the School Year:

Meet with your child’s teachers to discuss how the year went. This helps you identify what worked well and what to keep doing next year. It’s better to schedule this now before June when meetings might be harder to arrange.

Plan Summer Activities:

Ask your child’s current and future teachers for suggestions on activities to keep skills sharp over the summer. These can include ways to build independence and social skills.

Create a Countdown Calendar:

Make a calendar for the last weeks of school. Some kids may feel anxious about the change in routine. A countdown can help them prepare for the end-of-year events and inconsistent schedules.

Schedule Playdates:

Connect with other parents to arrange summer playdates. This gives your child a chance to maintain friendships outside of school.

Prepare for Summer Camp:

If your child is going to summer camp, reach out to the camp staff to learn about the schedule and activities. Share any helpful information or strategies to make sure your child has a positive experience.

Plan a Daily Schedule:

If your child won’t be attending an extended school year program, plan a daily schedule for their summer. You can get help from family, friends, or respite staff to make the most of the summer.

Family Fun:

Plan family activities like vacations, day trips, or fun evening outings. Take photos and write down what your child enjoys. This helps build skills and creates lasting memories for them to share when school starts again.

Summer is a time for your child to relax and enjoy a break from school. These tips should help you end the school year smoothly and start the summer with fun!

In addition, here are some summer resources:

Children’s Aid

Camp Wilton | Office for People With Developmental Disabilities

North East Westchester Special Recreation Programs | Westchester County, NY

www.Prphny.org

Recreation & Conservation Department – Town of Cortlandt, NY

https://venturetogetherny.org/programs/camp-venture/

https://ramapoforchildren.org/services-programs/camp-ramapo/

https://www.doublehranch.org/

https://www.swimmingpastboundaries.com/class-schedule