Back-to-School Success: Tips for Parents Supporting Kids in Speech & Occupational Therapy

The start of a new school year is a fresh chapter filled with excitement, new routines, and—sometimes—a few nerves.
For children who receive speech therapy or occupational therapy (OT), the transition can bring unique challenges. But with a little preparation and teamwork, you can help your child feel confident, supported, and ready to thrive.

Here are practical, parent-friendly tips to set your child up for success:

1. Start the Routine Early

Children thrive on predictability, and transitions are easier when routines are already in place before school begins.

• Gradually adjust sleep schedules a week or two before school starts.

• Practice morning routines—getting dressed, eating breakfast, packing backpacks—so they become second nature.

• For kids in OT, focus on practicing fine motor skills like buttoning, zipping, or opening lunch containers.

2. Review and Share Therapy Goals

Before school starts, take time to:

• Review your child’s current speech and OT goals from their Individualized Education Program (IEP) or private therapy plan.

• Share these goals with teachers, classroom aides, and any new therapists.

• Provide examples of what strategies work at home—whether it’s using visual cues, breaking tasks into steps, or giving extra time for responses.

Pro tip: A quick “Get to Know My Child” sheet with strengths, challenges, and motivators can help staff connect with your child from day one.

3. Create a Communication Bridge

When speech and occupational therapy happen at school, parents aren’t always in the room. That’s why having a communication system is essential:

• Ask the therapist how progress will be shared (notebooks, email updates, apps).

• Keep communication two-way—share what’s working at home and any new concerns.

• Request specific feedback instead of general updates (e.g., “Can he now say his /r/ sound in sentences?” vs. “He’s doing well.”).

4. Support Skills at Home (In a Fun Way)

Therapy progress soars when skills are practiced beyond sessions. The key? Make it playful:

• For speech: Turn dinner into a “word of the day” game, practice target sounds during story time, or record silly videos practicing speech sounds.

• For OT: Encourage drawing, Lego building, crafts, cooking, or outdoor play to build fine and gross motor skills.

• Use short, frequent practice instead of long, intense drills—5 minutes can be powerful.

5. Prepare for Social Situations

Speech and motor challenges can sometimes make socializing harder. You can help by:

• Role-playing introductions, conversations, and playground scenarios.

• Teaching your child self-advocacy phrases like, “Can you say that again?” or “I need more time.”

• Encouraging group activities that build both skills and friendships.

6. Celebrate Effort, Not Just Progress

School can be a lot for kids working on extra skills. Recognizing effort boosts confidence:

• Praise persistence (“You kept trying even though that was tricky!”).

• Highlight small wins—whether it’s writing their name more neatly or using a target sound correctly once.

• Create a visual progress tracker at home so they can see their own growth.

7. Partner with the School Team

Your child’s success is a team effort. Build positive relationships with teachers, therapists, and support staff:

• Attend IEP meetings prepared with notes and questions.

• Express appreciation for their work—it builds goodwill and collaboration.

• Share updates when something changes at home (like a new medication, routine change, or major event).