Back to School with Kool Confidence: Preparing Your Kool Individual for a Successful Year

The Back to School season can bring excitement, new opportunities and fresh routines. But for families of children with Koolen-de Vries Syndrome (KdVS), it also comes with unique challenges like, navigating IEPs and ensuring the right supports are in place. A little preparation now can make a big difference for the year ahead.

1. Review and Update Your Kool Individual’s IEP
   Start by reading your child’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) from last year.

• Identify what worked well and what needs adjusting.
• Bring fresh data or examples to your meeting to help guide updates.
• Ask about new services, accommodations, or technology that might help your child thrive this year.

2. Build a Strong Relationship with Your School Team
   Teachers, aides, therapists and administrators are all part of your kool individual’s success network.

• Introduce yourself early and share a “get to know me” sheet about your child.
• Highlight strengths, preferences, triggers and calming strategies specific to your kool indivdual.

3. Prepare Your Kool Individual for the Transition
   Change can be overwhelming, so begin the shift early.

• Visit the school ahead of time (if allowed) to walk the halls, meet staff and find classrooms.
• Practice the morning routine a week before the first day, we love a good routine!

4. Gather the Right Tools
   Whether it’s noise-canceling headphones, sensory breaks or communication devices (AAC, core board, sign language your kool individual knows), having the right support in place from day one can set the tone for success!

5. Remember: YOU Are Your Kool Individual’s Best Advocate
   Don’t be afraid to ask questions, request meetings or seek outside support. You know your kool individual best and your voice is essential in making sure they have what they need to shine.

The start of the school year is a fresh page and with the right tools, planning and collaboration, our Kool individuals can fill it with success stories. Here’s to a year of growth, learning, and joy for the 2025-2026 school year!