The move to primary school can be a time of great change for your child with Down syndrome.  Parents will need to gather information and talk with their child's current teacher(s) and therapists to discuss progress and make recommendations on where it is best to continue their child's education.  Primary school can be more difficult for some children to adjust to because the setting changes from small groups and individual attention to working individually and participating in general class procedures.  Primary school also sees a change from one teacher and one room, to many teachers and many rooms as the children participate in specialist subjects such as art, music and computing.  A Communication Passport can help you provide information about your child to their new teachers.  You can download instructions on how to create a Communication Passport for your child at the Down Syndrome Association of Queensland's website.  Therapy service providers will also change from Disability Services Commission to a School Age Therapy Service Provider such as Therapy Focus or Rocky Bay.

 Things to consider

•  Do you want/need all of your children to attend the same school?
•  What is the school's experience with disability?
•  Which class size will suit your child best?
•  How will the class teacher modify the curriculum to suit your child's needs?
•  How will they report on the progress your child is making?
•  How will your child access additional support if it is needed?
•  What measures are in place for the supervision and security of your child at recess and lunch times?
•  How will the school support social interactions?

Resources

Brown, Vicki  Guidelines for Junior Primary and Primary Schools

Moore-Mallinos  My Friend Has Down Syndrome

Powell, Jillian  Luke Has Down's Syndrome 

Primary School Transition Checklist

Royston, Angela  What's It Like?  Down Syndrome

Senisi, Ellen B.  All Kinds of Friends, Even Green!