Preparing for School - Small Steps That Made a Big Difference
- Marcal Watson
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
"Will he be okay? Will he make friends? Will he feel safe?" These anxiety-fuelled questions flooded my mind last year, and they all came rushing back last week as I watched new parents drop off their kids for school orientation. This time last year, I was the mum holding her breath, preparing for what felt like one of the biggest transitions my son would ever face—starting school.
If you're reading this, I know you understand that starting school isn’t just another milestone. When your child has additional needs, it becomes a mountain of emotions, worries, and endless planning. This isn’t just about “showing up” for orientation days; it’s about creating a bridge that helps our kids feel safe, calm, and ready to take those big steps. And that's once you've conquered the mountain of finding the right school and doing everything in your power to get into your first preference!
For those of you beginning your search, or just needing some guidance and reassurance, here’s a little peek into our journey and the steps we took to help my son start school on the right foot. I hope our experience can help make things easier for you and your little one, too.
Getting Comfortable with the School Environment
We knew from the start that this was going to be a journey. It wasn’t just about finding any school; we needed a place that would truly get him - his autistic profile, his anxiety, his curiosity, PDA and on top of that, all that comes with giftedness, bringing its own set of needs and challenges (IYKYK!). We wanted (and he needed!) a nurturing environment that would support both his academic interests and his emotional well-being.
Once we found the right school, we started with baby steps:
Talking About School Early On: We casually brought up school in conversations, letting him know that when he turned five, he’d get to go. We kept it light, with no pressure, just gentle encouragement. I don’t want to say we were “lucky” enough to have the option to homeschool if needed, but we had considered this as the only second option we had available and were prepared to see it through if needed. And if you're a parent reading this, you'll likely know that your life changes, you end up structuring most things around your child's needs, and in this case we’re fortunate to be in a position where that’s possible.
Driving by the School: Whenever we were nearby, we’d take a detour to drive past. We’d point out the building, the playground—anything to make it feel familiar.
Putting Up Photos: I printed out photos of his school and his teachers and put them up where he could see them daily. Slowly, these images became part of his world, helping to take the edge off the unknown.
These simple actions helped him start forming a mental image of what school would look like. Familiarity was the key here—making the idea of school less like a “new place” and more like a part of his routine.
Teaming Up with His Support Crew
As the school start date approached, I knew we needed to call in our "village" - aka our allied health team! I wanted to equip the school with everything they’d need to know to support him best, and who better to help than the professionals who already understood him?
Paige from Inclusive Oak: Paige helped me create a detailed profile of my son - his traits & triggers, and the things that help him feel regulated. This document was like a guidebook for his teachers, helping them understand him from day one.
Georgia, Our OT: Georgia fine-tuned this document, adding insights specific to his sensory needs. She was also key in helping us create a game plan for things like dressing and undressing, which are bigger challenges than you might think.
A Developmental Educator: She worked with us to create a social story - essentially a visual “preview” of what his school day would look like, from getting ready in the morning to entering the classroom. This was his go-to resource, something he could hold onto and revisit to ease any jitters.
Having these tools made such a difference. Instead of walking into an overwhelming unknown, he had a clear map of what to expect, which gave him a sense of control and comfort.
Visiting the Classroom Before Orientation
Knowing how long it can take him to feel settled in a new environment, we arranged a special pre-orientation visit to the school. This wasn’t just any visit—he got to meet his teacher in his actual classroom, explore the different areas, and even pick a designated spot to hang his bag. We also found a small teddy bear that would stay in the classroom, waiting to greet him each morning during orientation.
This visit was a game-changer. It gave him a sneak peek, a chance to familiarise himself with the space and his teacher without the pressure of other kids around.
Orientation Day: Staying Close and Taking It Slow
When orientation day finally came, we were both prepared (and still very nervous!). We had our morning routine down, we’d practised the drive, and he knew exactly where he was going and that I would be nearby. I wasn’t going to leave his side without his permission.
Here’s what really helped us that day:
Being Nearby: Unlike some of the other parents who were able to just drop their kids off, I knew he needed me close. I stayed nearby, giving him the chance to check in with me whenever he felt the need.
Engaging in Familiar Activities: The school staff had set up some outdoor activities to help the kids settle in, and one of the SSOs quickly found ways to tap into his interests. It made all the difference seeing him smile, engage, and start to build trust.
Letting Him Set the Pace: At one point, he felt comfortable enough to let me step away while he continued with an amazing SSO. I went to the front office to pick up his uniform, and when recess came, he got caught up in the fun and even went back into the classroom with the others, leaving me waiting for him in view of his classroom. I couldn’t break my promise after all, even if he had got swept up in the fun.
There were definitely some tears (from both of us), but the foundation we’d built helped him through those challenging moments.
Reflections a Year Later
Looking back, I’m so thankful for every step we took. It wasn’t an easy process, but each small action added up, helping him transition in a way that felt safe and manageable for him. Now, a year on, he’s thriving, and I’m so proud of the progress he’s made.
To other mums out there preparing for school: I know it’s hard. I know it’s stressful. But with a bit of planning, a lot of patience, and the right support, these big transitions can become beautiful, positive experiences. If you need help or reassurance, please feel welcome to reach out—after all, we’re all in this together.
Final Takeaways for Other Parents, Teaching Staff, and Schools:
Familiarity Is Key: Simple things like photos, casual visits, or even driving by the school can make a big difference.
Work with Your Support Team: Whether it’s an OT, a parenting coach, or a trusted educator, get the insights you need to make this transition easier.
Stay Close When You Can: Being nearby on those first days can make all the difference, offering a comforting presence for both of you.
Was this helpful? Save this post for later, share it with other parents, or drop a comment below with any tips that have worked for your family. Let’s make these big transitions just a little easier for our kids. 💙
Comments