When a student moves to a new school, the change is bigger than just a new building. They’re navigating new teachers, new routines, and often a completely different set of expectations. For students receiving special education services, these transitions can be especially challenging. The good news? With a little planning and teamwork, you can make these big leaps feel a lot smoother.
Keep the Communication Flowing
Before the year begins—or as soon as you get a new student—connect with their prior team. The IEP tells you a lot, but it doesn’t always capture the little things that make a big difference. Ask about:
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Strategies that worked well (and ones that didn’t).
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Motivators that helped the student engage.
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Routines or supports that aren’t written down but really matter.
Even a quick 15-minute phone call or email exchange can save hours of frustration down the road. The Council for Exceptional Children (CEC) also emphasizes collaboration as one of the most critical elements in supporting student transitions.
Build in Early Wins
Early successes matter. Whether it’s learning their new locker combo, navigating the lunchroom, or participating in class discussions, every win builds confidence.
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Track those moments and share them with families—they’ll appreciate the updates.
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Celebrate with the student, even in small ways.
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Keep a running list to reference in IEP meetings or check-ins with the team.
Not only does this boost student morale, it also helps new teachers see strengths right away instead of focusing only on challenges.
Make Documentation Your Best Friend
Transitions often involve trial and error, so documenting what you’re seeing is key.
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Note strategies you’re testing, whether they’re working or not.
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Keep track of changes in behavior, participation, or academic performance.
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Update transition goals as you gather new information.
This documentation becomes a bridge between teams. It ensures that when staff changes happen (and they often do), the student doesn’t have to start over from scratch.
For an easier way to keep everything organized, Kit for Teams lets you track IEP goals, take notes, and share them with parents or teammates—all in one place.
Normalize Guest Access and Shared Visibility
Students thrive when the adults on their team are on the same page. Invite instructional assistants, related service providers, and supervisors into the loop.
With tools that allow guest access, like Kit for Teams for SLPs, OTs, or special education teachers, you can share notes, goals, and progress without duplicating work. Visibility across the team means fewer dropped balls and more consistent support.
Create Predictability for the Student
Uncertainty fuels anxiety, so give students a sense of what to expect in their new environment.
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Schedule a walk-through of the building.
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Share photos of classrooms, hallways, or even key staff they’ll meet.
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Provide visual schedules, checklists, or simple routines to follow.
These supports are especially helpful for students with autism or anxiety, but they benefit almost all learners. Predictability builds trust—and trust opens the door for learning.
Final Thoughts
School transitions will always come with a few bumps, but they don’t have to feel like an avalanche. With proactive communication, early wins, thorough documentation, shared visibility, and predictable routines, you can set students up for success in their new environment.
Want more ideas you can implement right away? Explore how Kit for Teams helps special education teams support students during transitions and beyond.