A new foster child can be a challenge in many ways. Not the least of which is enrolling them in a new school and helping make as
smooth a transition as possible. Foster children have a unique set of needs, being equipped to handle as many of those specialized
needs as possible will help you and the child make the transition as smooth as it possibly can be.
There are many factors to take into consideration. Here are some things to consider when taking your foster child to a new school for
enrollment:
1.New School, New Rules
Every foster child is going through a transition period! As a matter of fact, multiple transitions are occurring at the same time. The
foster child is transitioning to a new family, a new home, with new friends, new parental guardians and an entire new set of rules to
follow in all of those new places! Be as consistent as possible at home with the rules that you set forth with your foster child. This will
give them a sense of security if they are able to anticipate what to expect and what is expected of them.
When enrolling your child in a new school, try to get the school handbook in advance if possible. This will help you help your foster
child get better acquainted with the school’s rules about attendance, dress code, school times, bus stops, and lunch. Also, make it a
point to meet with the teacher and school principal and get a tour of the new building. It might be helpful if there is a “peer mentor”
program to help new students acclimate to their new school environment and schedule. Make sure you ask if one is available.
Every child will need some time to transition! Even a child who has not been uprooted from everything that they consider familiar to
them will have difficulty adjusting to a new school setting.
2. Your Teacher, Principal, Guidance Counselor and Nurse are your new best friends!
Many children who are being fostered have multiple social, emotional, medical and other issues that will need to be dealt with during the
school day. It is extremely important that you schedule time to meet with those who will be directly involved with your child during
school. Opening the lines of communication with these school personnel will help both you are your foster child make a smoother
transition.
The teacher may need to know about any academic problems that have been identified in the past. Sharing this with the teacher (if you
are aware of one that exists) can help him or her better teach your child.
Your new Principal will be one of your greatest allies in this transition. He or she will be able to give you a tour, introduce you to your
teacher, guidance counselor, school psychologist, nurse and any other support staff that may directly help you or your child during the
school day. Your principal will also help you when discipline at school or on the bus is an issue.
The school’s Guidance Counselor is a great asset to any new student, especially a new foster student. The foster student may have
difficulty trusting other adults or may just need someone to talk to when they have a problem. The Guidance Counselor is usually the
best equipped person to help that child deal with emotions, fears, concerns and making the transition work.
If your new foster child has medical concerns, requires medication daily, or has allergies that need direct attention the school nurse is
an essential member of the team to care for your foster child.
Communication with the nurse regarding medical or dental related issues can assure you and the child that any concerns or needs are
met. There may also be paperwork for medications, treatments, physical examinations or dental examinations necessary whenever a
new student starts school. Make sure you check with your school nurse to determine if any of these situations apply to your foster
child. You direct-care caseworker can be of assistance in this area as well.
Owner/Editor - Chris Chmielewski