It’s the first day of school.  Is your child ready to go at 7:30 am, or are they still in bed, pleading a headache?

After enduring a challenging period of uncertainty and adapting to new norms during Covid, the first day of school in a post-pandemic era marks an important milestone in a student’s journey.  It is more critical than ever for our students to make every effort to be present.

Here’s why students, especially those with individualized educational needs, shouldn’t miss their first day…

Transition, Routines, Sensory Integration, and Setting the Tone:

For autistic children and children with other learning disabilities, routine and predictability are essential. The first day of school marks a significant transition from a familiar environment (such as home or preschool) to a new and structured setting, complete with new stimuli, such as noises, smells, and crowds. Establishing a positive routine can assist with adapting to the new environment, help reduce anxiety, set expectations, learn and utilize new coping strategies, and provide a sense of stability.

Introduction and Orientation:

The first day of school often includes introductions, orientation sessions, and important information about the upcoming academic year. These sessions help your child become familiar with their teachers, classmates, school policies, schedules, and expectations. Missing this crucial information can make it challenging to catch up later.

Establishing Connections and Socialization:

The first day of school is a chance for children to meet new classmates, form early bonds, make friends, and develop social skills. It’s an important step towards fostering social inclusion and building relationships with peers. This is particularly true for students with social challenges and anxiety. It is bonding to have the same “first day” as all the other students and helps children not feel alone or unique in their fears.

Attending School is a Collaboration Between the School and Parents:

When your child attends the first day, it initiates a very crucial partnership between you and the school.  Not only does it establish (or reestablish!) open lines of communication to share important information about the child’s strengths, challenges, and support strategies, but it shows teachers you are invested in your child’s education.  Most importantly, attending the first day shows your child that because you, the parent, prioritize education, so should they.

Remember, attending the first day of school sets the foundation for a successful year, both academically and socially. It is a chance for your child to familiarize themselves with their new environment, build relationships, and learn important information.  And remember, getting ready for the first day requires your help as parents, so make your child’s education a priority by helping ensure they are present on the first day!

When Kelani was six, she watched her grandmother sew quilts on an old-fashioned sewing machine and became fascinated. She her mother to teach her to sew and quickly her passion and skills grew. Kelani’s mother signed her up for a local sewing class after school– this was what she needed to thrive in many areas.

While she had been shy and anxious child, Kelani quickly found a group of peers who shared her interests and love of fashion in her after school classes. Her confidence grew, not just in sewing, but in all areas like social skills, perseverance and emotional regulation. Now, Kelani is on her way to NYU to study fashion design.

What is Enrichment?

Engaging in traditional curriculum with subjects like math, science, and reading is important, but there is something to be said for activities that go beyond the standard program.  Enrichment– classes and activities not typically held during the school day– hold great power in shaping the lives of children by providing them with unique opportunities for growth and development.  These Enrichment, or After School, activities could be general, like music or sports, or they could be very specialized, like fashion or puppet design.

The Purpose of Enrichment

Enrichment activities allow children to explore various subjects, activities, and interests that may not be covered extensively in the standard curriculum. They expose children to a wide range of possibilities, giving them the chance to discover their passions and develop a lifelong love for specific areas of study or hobbies.  These don’t have to just remain hobbies, either. They often turn into interesting careers and provide an opportunity for all children to experience success. Often, attending those classes provides the opportunity to meet like-minded individuals who share common interests.

Kids Like Me Enrichment Programs

Kids Like Me’s after school program is for children who are autistic or neurodiverse. Our classes are appropriate for children of all abilities, and siblings are also welcome. At Kids Like Me, we hope that children not only enjoy the activities, but make new friends along the way.

This year, Kids Like Me is offering a range of enrichment activities, from Karaoke Club and Super Chef to 2D Game Design and a Dungeons and Dragons club. Offering these kinds of after-school activities to neurodiverse students is crucial for their holistic development, as it provides a supportive environment where they can explore their interests and talents beyond the classroom. These activities foster social interaction, communication skills, and self-confidence, helping neurodiverse students thrive in diverse settings and build meaningful relationships. By tailoring these activities to their unique needs, we empower neurodiverse students to unlock their full potential and contribute meaningfully to their communities.

So, join us at After School! Your community is waiting.  Learn more at kidslikemela.org/afterschool-programs.