School’s Out! How to Use Summer to Prep for an Amazing New School Year!

Summer is finally here! After a long school year, it’s tempting to switch off completely and, while relaxation is definitely important, summer is also the perfect time to lay the groundwork for a successful new school year. For children with IEPs, the summer months provide a valuable opportunity to review progress, identify gaps in services, and get a head start on making sure your child has the right support in place when the next school year begins.

The key to starting the school year strong is preparation and that’s where IEP Partner comes in. Summer is the perfect time to bring in an experienced advocate to assess your child’s progress, strengthen their IEP, and make sure you’re prepared to hit the ground running when the first bell rings. In this blog, we’ll walk you through how to make the most of the summer months and give you a step-by-step checklist to help you feel confident and prepared for the new school year.

The summer months may feel like a time to relax, but they’re also the best time to reflect on the previous school year and plan for what’s next.

Why Summer Prep Matters

The summer months may feel like a time to relax, but they’re also the best time to reflect on the previous school year and plan for what’s next. A strong start to the school year begins with understanding where your child is academically, socially, and emotionally — and making sure that their IEP is designed to meet those needs.

The summer also gives you time to request changes or updates to the IEP without the stress of daily school schedules. If your child struggled last year or didn’t meet IEP goals, now is the time to address those issues and strengthen the plan. Preparing early also ensures that all accommodations, services, and supports are in place before the first day of school.

The Summer Prep Checklist for Parents

Use this checklist to keep your summer organized and make sure your child is ready to succeed when school starts:

✔️ Review Last Year’s IEP – Take time to carefully review your child’s IEP and progress reports. Look for goals that were met and those where progress was limited or nonexistent.

✔️ Request Any Missing Documentation – If you didn’t collect end-of-year documents (report card, ESE progress report, IEP goal data, etc.), request them now.

✔️ Request an IEP Meeting (if needed) – If you notice gaps in progress or changes in your child’s needs, request an IEP meeting over the summer or within the first month of school.

✔️ Update Medical Documentation – If your child sees a therapist, specialist, or doctor, summer is a good time to update medical reports and evaluations to reflect any changes in diagnosis or recommended services.

✔️ Strengthen IEP Accommodations – Make sure your child’s IEP reflects their current needs, including testing accommodations, classroom modifications, and social/emotional supports.

✔️ Create a Communication Plan – Set up a plan for how and when you will communicate with teachers and support staff about your child’s progress during the school year.

✔️ Organize Your IEP Binder – Create a binder (or digital folder) with your child’s IEP, progress reports, service logs, test scores, medical documentation, and any communication with the school.

✔️ Practice Self-Advocacy with Your Child – Teach your child how to advocate for themselves by helping them understand their accommodations and how to ask for them when needed.

✔️ Establish a Daily Routine – Start adjusting your child’s sleep schedule, morning routine, and homework time a couple of weeks before school starts to make the transition smoother.

✔️ Introduce Relaxation Techniques – Teach your child breathing exercises, mindfulness, and relaxation techniques to help them manage stress when school begins.

Why Hiring an Advocate Is a Smart Summer Move

One of the most valuable things you can do over the summer is to bring in an experienced advocate to help you prepare for the new school year. That’s where IEP Partner comes in.

How IEP Partner Can Help

At IEP Partner, we specialize in helping families navigate the complexities of the special education system. Our experienced advocates will:
✅ Review your child’s IEP and progress data.
✅ Identify gaps in services or accommodations.
✅ Prepare a list of recommended changes to strengthen the IEP.
✅ Help you communicate with the school to ensure that supports are in place on day one.
✅ Attend IEP meetings (virtually or in person) to advocate for your child’s needs.
✅ Monitor progress throughout the school year to ensure that services are delivered correctly.

Why IEP Partner’s Membership Plan Works

One of the reasons why IEP Partner has been so successful is because we don’t just help you at the beginning of the school year — we support you year-round.

Our membership plan provides ongoing support, not just during IEP meetings, but throughout the entire school year. This allows us to track your child’s progress, adjust accommodations as needed, and step in immediately if services are not being delivered correctly.

What’s Included in the Membership Plan

• Monthly Check-Ins – We check in regularly to make sure that your child is on track and that services are being provided as agreed.

• Unlimited Email Support – You can reach out to us anytime with questions or concerns about your child’s IEP.

• Meeting Preparation and Attendance – We prepare you for IEP meetings and attend with you (virtually) to advocate for your child’s needs.

• Progress Monitoring – We track progress throughout the year and adjust accommodations and services as needed.

• Access to Resources – Our members receive exclusive access to parent training, educational resources, and advocacy guides.

How to Support Your Child Over the Summer

While summer is a time to relax, it’s also important to keep some structure and maintain learning momentum. Here’s how you can support your child over the summer:

✅ Keep Learning Fun – Incorporate reading, math games, and creative projects into daily routines.
✅ Encourage Social Interaction – Set up playdates or social activities to keep social skills sharp.
✅ Create a Calm Morning Routine – A consistent routine will make the transition to school smoother.
✅ Practice IEP Accommodations – If your child receives extended time on tests or other accommodations, practice them at home so your child feels comfortable using them in school.
✅ Reinforce Positive Mindset – Remind your child that setbacks are normal and that their effort is more important than perfection.

Final Thoughts

A successful school year starts with a strong plan — and summer is the perfect time to lay that foundation. By reviewing last year’s progress, strengthening your child’s IEP, and working with an experienced advocate like IEP Partner, you’ll be setting your child up for a smoother, more successful school year.

If you’re ready to strengthen your child’s IEP and start the school year with confidence, IEP Partner is here to help. Our membership plan gives you year-round access to expert advocacy and support — so you’ll never have to face the school system alone.

Don’t wait — summer is the time to prepare! Contact IEP Partner today and get the support your child deserves.