Final Stretch

As the school year comes to an end, first I want to congratulate you for getting through another school year!!! I know it seems like I always say this but the school year has flown! But if your year has been anything like mine has been-it was not without some challenges. If I am honest-I am exhausted from all the running, grinding, scheduling, attempts to fit all of my activities into my seemingly short day, attempts to eat right, exercise, cook, church, fun etc. It is almost tempting to throw your hands up or stick your head in the sand and let the school year just finish without you in the race.

But please, please remember that we are not quite done.

So before you throw in the towel (and jump in the pool) and start your summer here are some things to keep in mind before summer comes:

Do you plan on having your child start or continue Speech-language therapy? Now is the time to start looking at your schedule and contacting therapists (we just happen to have some open spots here at SpeechBuilders!)

Touch base/ have a meeting with your child’s teacher for suggestions of things he/she can work on during the summer or ask for take home packets

Be sure your child’s school has your most updated contact information: cell phone and mailing address tend to be the most important.

Many IEP meetings happen around this time of the year so be sure you are in contact with your child’s school staffing specialist in order for you to attend the meeting-IT IS CRUCIAL THAT YOU ATTEND THIS MEETING-DECISIONS ARE MADE ABOUT YOUR CHILD’S ACADEMIC FUTURE.

Will your little one be going to summer camp, sleep away camp or Vacation Bible School? Be sure to get them registered early before spots fill up.

We started this school year talking about goals. The summer is a great time to set goals.

Hooray you are almost to the finish line of what we call the school year. You only have a little more to go-hang in there! You will be glad you did.

About the Author: Adrienne Fuller

Adrienne Fuller M.S., CCC-SLP is the clinical director and Owner of SpeechBuilders Speech/Language and OccupationalTherapy in Apopka, Florida. She earned her Master’s Degree at the University of New Hampshire. She is passionate about making all children from all backgrounds ready for kindergarten. She is also the co-writer of the book "Putting Your Dreams To Work-Keys to Setting Up Your Therapy Practice" and " Start Your Engines: A Roadmap for Your Clinical Fellowship." Her most recent book titled, "30 Days to Get Your Toddler Talking" is a step by step guide for parents and caregivers of toddlers who are not yet talking or talking very little.