Elementary School Transition Discussion Meeting

The lifestyle of elementary school is completely different from that of kindergarten. When children begin to take on more responsibilities and follow rules, coupled with the unique nature of rare diseases, many parents inevitably worry about whether their children, who have special needs,  will be able to adapt to school life smoothly. TFRD's Taichung branch held an “Elementary School Transition Discussion Meeting” on February 22nd, which attracted 20 parents.

The speaker for this session is Ms. Huang Wen-Chi, a preschool itinerant teacher in Taichung City. Ms. Huang is also the parent of a child with a rare disease. She has extensive knowledge of educational administration processes such as assessment and placement, special education resources, and a deep understanding of parents' feelings and practical needs. Ms. Huang reminds parents not to miss the transition meetings held by their children's kindergartens to understand the application deadlines and details for various resources. During the final semester of preschool, it is highly recommended to collaborate with preschool teachers, itinerant teachers, and rehabilitation therapists to provide targeted support for the child's specific abilities, help stabilize their emotions and behavior, and ensure they receive the necessary support. This not only facilitates the child's adaptation to school life but also allows teachers and faculty to focus more effectively on the child's academic development.

In addition, Ms. Huang encouraged parents to simulate elementary school routines during the summer vacation and compile written records of their children's physical symptoms, behavioral characteristics, and past experiences so that they could communicate with teachers about their learning needs. Through three-way communication and cooperation between parents, teachers, and professionals, a stable and effective parent-teacher partnership will be better established.

Thanks to Ms. Huang’s insightful and practical talk, parents came to understand that meeting their children’s educational needs involves more than just developing their abilities. Having timely access to special education resources and services is just as important. We sincerely hope that every child with a rare disease can enjoy a smooth and successful start at their new school.

Translator: David Lee (Becker Muscular Dystrophy)