The return to school after summer break can be exciting—and challenging. Transitions are big events, especially for children who thrive on routine and predictability. Caregivers can ease this shift by using ABA-based tools that help children prepare emotionally and behaviorally for the school environment.
Here are simple, effective ways to support your child’s back-to-school transition.
Start the Routine Early
Begin adjusting your child’s daily schedule at least two weeks before school starts. Gradually shift wake-up, bedtime, and meal times to match the school routine. Predictable transitions help reduce stress and prepare your child’s body and mind for the structure ahead.
Use Visual Schedules
Visual schedules help children understand what to expect throughout the day. Create a visual timeline of your school day routine: wake up, eat breakfast, get dressed, pack backpack, ride the bus, etc. You can use photos, drawings, or printed icons depending on what your child responds to best.
Review the schedule daily and make changes gradually to increase comfort and flexibility.
Practice New Skills
Is your child starting a new school, using a locker, or riding a bus for the first time? Practicing these skills at home can make the unknown feel familiar. Role-playing or visiting the school ahead of time can build confidence.
If your child uses communication devices or visuals, practice with those tools in the context of school-related tasks.
Create Social Stories
Social stories are short, personalized narratives that describe social situations and appropriate responses. Write a simple story about going back to school. Include the name of the school, teacher, classroom, and what your child will do each day. Collaborate with your child’s team to create a story to help prepare for the transition to a new environment.
Read the story together regularly before the first day of school. This helps your child mentally rehearse what to expect.
Tour the School
If possible, arrange a school visit before the year begins. Walking through the building, meeting the teacher, and seeing the classroom can reduce anxiety. Take photos to review at home and reinforce familiarity.
Label Supplies and Practice Packing
Help your child feel more independent by labeling school supplies and practicing packing their backpack. Use a checklist or visual cue for what needs to go in each day—snacks, folders, water bottle, etc. This also reinforces executive functioning skills like organization and memory.
Communicate with the School Team
Reach out early to your child’s teacher or support staff. Share helpful information about what supports your child best, including sensory preferences, reinforcers, and communication methods. Collaborating with the school team sets the stage for a strong caregiver-school partnership.
Use Countdown Tools
Countdown calendars, dry erase boards, or paper chains can help your child visually track how many days until school starts. It gives time to emotionally process the change while building anticipation.
Model a Positive Mindset
Children often mirror the emotions of their caregivers. If you speak about school with enthusiasm and confidence, your child is more likely to feel the same. Acknowledge feelings of nervousness, but also talk about fun and exciting parts of the school day.
Keep Reinforcement in Place
Returning to school may take a lot of effort and adjustment, so don’t forget to reinforce your child’s brave behaviors. Whether it’s a high five, sticker, extra screen time, or favorite snack, offering praise and reward helps reinforce successful transitions.
Be Patient with the Process
Transitions take time. Some children may adjust quickly, while others may need several weeks. Celebrate small wins and provide extra support on tough days. ABA therapy can play a key role in helping children learn new routines, self-advocate, and regulate emotions.
Going back to school is a big moment in your child’s year. With structure, patience, and thoughtful planning, you can help them make the transition smoothly. ABA-based strategies like visual schedules, social stories, and reinforcement are proven tools that support success.
As a caregiver, your preparation and support set the tone. You are not only helping your child transition into a new environment—you are empowering them to enter it with confidence.
