When your child has ADHD, autism, dyslexia, speech and language needs, executive functioning difficulties, or another learning difference, starting an international school can bring a lot of questions.
One of the biggest is:
"What support should I ask the school for?"
Start With Your Child, Not a List of Accommodations
Every child is different.
Before requesting specific supports, think about:
What makes learning difficult?
What helps your child succeed?
What environments are challenging?
What has worked at previous schools?
What do current evaluations recommend?
Supports to Discuss
Depending on your child's needs, you might discuss:
Extended time
Movement breaks
Reduced-distraction testing
Visual schedules
Organizational support
Assistive technology
Preferential seating
Modified workload
Access to learning support
Speech or language support
Sensory strategies
Alternative ways to demonstrate knowledge
Not every accommodation is appropriate for every child.
Bring Documentation
If available, bring previous evaluations, therapy reports, IEPs, ILPs, accommodation plans, and recommendations.
These documents can help your new school understand both your child's needs and strategies that have already been successful.
Questions to ask your child’s school team
Ask your school:
Who will coordinate my child's support?
What will a normal day with these supports look like?
How can I contact someone if I have concerns or questions?
How often can I meet the school team to collaborate?
Having a clear point of contact can make communication much easier.
How GET Can Help
Global Education Therapy works with internationally mobile families and collaborates with international schools.
Our team can help families better understand their child's needs, identify appropriate strategies, and communicate recommendations to school teams.
Moving schools doesn't have to mean starting your child's support from zero.
