The One Page That Eases Back-to-School Anxiety Every Year
What is Portrait of a Child?
A Portrait of a Child is a quick snapshot of who the child is — not just their diagnosis or test scores. It is not a replacement or substitution for a child’s IEP. It is an optional tool used to help support communication.
Portrait of a Child Highlights:
- A child’s strengths
- Sensory triggers
- Helpful strategies
- What the child needs to feel supported
Why is a Portrait of a Child Important?
If you’re a parent of a child with special needs — especially a child who is nonverbal or struggles to communicate their needs — you know the anxiety of sending them back to school. The anxiety of wondering… what if they don’t understand my child? Every new school year brings new adults, environments, and routines. If you’re an educator, you know how much that transition matters too — for the child and for the family sending them into your classroom. A Portrait of a Child is not required. But it can make a real difference. RELATED: Download Portrait of a Child Freebie
What is a Portrait of a Child used for?
This snapshot is something a teacher can glance at before a hard moment happens, so they know what to watch for and how to help. Many special needs children are not able to effectively communicate and may have anxiety about their change in routine. A Portrait of a Child helps alleviate anxiety for both the parent and the student. It provides a powerful snapshot for parents to send to the teacher as they learn the students for the school year. And it’s not just for parents to send — teachers may find it just as useful to share with families. It is a simple way to open that conversation during the first few weeks of school. RELATED: Back To School Speech Therapy Tips
Who To Share a Portrait of a Child With?
Don’t just stop at the classroom teacher. Every adult who spends time with your child during the school day can benefit from having this snapshot.
Don’t forget to provide it to your child’s team:
- Classroom teacher
- Ancillary teachers — Art, Music, P.E., Computers
- Therapists — OT, PT, SLP
- Support Staff
The more people who understand your child, the smoother the transition — for your child, for you, and for the team supporting them.
Conclusion
Back-to-school doesn’t have to start with anxiety. A Portrait of a Child is one simple page that helps your child’s team understand them from day one. This resource is for parents, but is also useful for teachers
Ready to create your own? Download your free fillable Portrait of a Child that includes a “how to” guide, ideas, and suggestions. RELATED: Free Portrait of a Child Resource
