How do I request an aide to help my child navigate their new school campus?

You can request a temporary transition aide to assist your child in navigating campus for the first several weeks. The aide can be faded out as your child gains confidence in finding (and settling into) their classes and extracurricular activities on their own. To request this temporary transition aide, Dr. Sarah Pelangka (special education advocate, BCBA-D, and owner of KnowIEPs), suggests that parents try one of several options:

• Call an IEP meeting and request that a district rep be present (they have to approve the temporary service);
• Email the district and make the request to see if an aide can be approved at least for the first few days;
• Ask your child’s teacher if they have a classroom paraprofessional who is available during transitions.

You can learn more in our Back to School Toolkit.