Happy Holidays from SPED Code!
Plus a BONUS Quick Guide: Supporting Your Child During School Breaks
Dear Wonderful Community,
Merry Christmas to those who celebrate, and warm wishes for a peaceful holiday season to all! As we wrap up 2024, I wanted to take a moment to express my heartfelt gratitude to each of you who has subscribed to this newsletter and supported this advocacy work. Your commitment to being informed and empowered advocates for your children inspires me every week.
This week’s newsletter is short, but I wanted to make sure it packs a lot of punch.
I recognize that while the holiday season brings joy for many, it can also present unique challenges for our children with special needs. The disruption of routine, sensory overload from celebrations, and extended time away from school supports can be overwhelming for both children and parents.
So this week’s resource is…
Quick Guide: Supporting Your Child During School Breaks
Here are some strategies to help maintain stability during the holiday period:
1. Maintain a Visual Schedule
Create a simple daily schedule with pictures
Include both structured activities and downtime
Review the schedule each morning together
2. Preserve Key Routines
Keep consistent wake-up and bedtime schedules
Maintain regular meal times
Continue using familiar behavioral support systems
3. Create Calm Zones
Designate a quiet space for decompression
Stock it with comfort items and sensory tools
Allow your child to access it whenever needed
4. Plan Transition Activities
Use countdown calendars for returning to school
Gradually adjust schedules as school approaches
Review school routines through social stories
Resource Directory
As we close out the year, here's a compilation of all resources shared through our newsletter so far:
EMPOWER Framework for Advocacy Graphic
Wishing you all moments of peace, joy, and connection during this holiday season. Remember to be gentle with yourself – you're doing an amazing job advocating for your child, and your child is doing their best in navigating this complex world.
See you in the New Year!
All the best,
Megan
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Looking for a particular resource? Shoot me an email and let me know and you may just see that resource included in next week’s newsletter.
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