Today\u2019s post piggybacks on the last, as it talks about ways the school can help kids in care (or at least strive to help!).<\/p>\n
First of all, just being aware of the potential triggers we discussed last time and aiming to avoid them if at all possible would be a huge step for kids coming to school who have been removed from trauma. And beyond that are various other ways that the school\/teachers can be supportive of kids in care, as well as their biological and foster parents.<\/p>\n
And before I list them, let me say this: I know that it might be difficult for you, as a foster parent, to approach the school about all of this but maybe decide which two or three would be the most impactful and beneficial for your child and bring those to the school\u2019s attention. Then if that goes well, maybe mention some others. But that\u2019s just my two cents.<\/p>\n
All that is to say: here are a few thoughts that I (and a few contributing others) have about how the school can help kids in care.<\/p>\n
\u2022 Using words like \u201cgrownup\u201d or \u201cadult\u201d instead of \u201cparent\u201d fosters a sense of belonging for all the kids, not only kids in care
\n\u2022 Consideration given when doing family tree \/ baby photo \/ family-related projects or classroom discussions
\n\u2022 Going one step further with that: allowing the student to make two Mother\u2019s Day or Father\u2019s Day gifts, or Christmas\/holiday gifts, so there is one for birth family and one for foster family (if they choose)
\n\u2022 Contacting the foster parents ahead of time (if possible) when there will be a substitute teacher
\n\u2022 Offering Trust Based Relational Intervention (TBRI) \/ Trauma-informed training for all staff
\n\u2022 Giving grace to a student who misses class due to court, a parent visit, etc.
\n\u2022 Providing space in the classroom (or somewhere in the school) where a child can have a sensory break or \u201ccalm-down space\u201d; can be as simply as a small tent, enclosed swing, etc.
\n\u2022 Allowing a bathroom break for the child whenever needed
\n\u2022 Allowing the student to eat a snack or get a drink of water whenever needed
\n\u2022 Offering friend\/support\/grief groups on site for kids in care, facilitated by trained adult(s)
\n\u2022 Extending grace to the child each day; teachers and staff giving a clean slate and letting mistakes or issues of the previous day not be held over to the next
\n\u2022 An understanding on part of the principal and teacher(s) that the child might struggle from Day 1, of maybe after a \u201choneymoon period.\u201d Whenever the child shows signs of struggling, then is the time to act \u2013 not \u201cwait and see.\u201d
\n\u2022 Additionally, moving quickly on IEPs and 504s (which can often take a long time) in order for a child to receive accommodations and helps immediately
\n\u2022 Having visual schedules for \u201cwhat happens next\u201d so there are no surprises, and making sure to discuss any changes in plans to the regular school day schedule
\n\u2022 Help caregivers\/foster parents\/kinship establish support services such as free breakfast and lunch<\/p>\n
As with all things on this blog this is clearly not an all-encompassing list, but hopefully it gives you a jumping off point and gives you enough suggestions which would benefit your child that you can go to the administration to advocate effectively.<\/p>\n
Sincerely,<\/p>\n
Kris<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Today\u2019s post piggybacks on the last, as it talks about ways the school can help kids in care (or at least strive to help!). First of all, just being aware of the potential triggers we discussed last time and aiming to avoid them if at all possible would be a huge step for kids coming […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":19,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_et_pb_use_builder":"","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-38393","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-kriss-corner"],"yoast_head":"\n