Helping children transition from highly structured residential treatment programs to public school requires thorough planning and close coordination between treatment providers, educators and parents. Long before the student returns to the less restrictive learning environment of the public school, parents can ensure that certain steps are taken and supports are in place. Some of these may include:
· With appropriate releases, residential counselors and therapists should share important information regarding the child’s present level of performance. This can be done through records exchanges and participation in the transition IEP meetings.
· Arrangements can be made for the student to make preliminary visits to the receiving school.
· The student should have at least one identified teacher or administrator who acts as the point person to help transition, monitor adjustments and provides in-person support.
