Big Tip from a BCBA: Create a "Get to Know Me" One-Page for Your Child’s New Teacher!
Heyyy, BCBA Ruby here!
As a BCBA, one of my most important goals is to help children succeed, and that starts with building strong, open relationships between parents and educators. One of the best ways to set up your child for success is by helping their new teacher understand them better right from the start. That’s why I’m giving you this big tip: create a "Get to Know Me" one-page sheet for your child to give to their new teacher!
What is a "Get to Know Me" One-Page?
A "Get to Know Me" one-page is a simple but powerful tool that provides a snapshot of your child’s personality, needs, and preferences. It’s a great way to ensure that their new teacher has important information to help them succeed. Think of it as a cheat sheet to help the teacher understand your child’s unique strengths and challenges.
Why Is It So Important?
Starting a new school year can be a bit overwhelming for both children and teachers. Even though the teacher may have received IEP information or a history of your child’s progress, there’s a lot of important day-to-day details that might be missed. A one-page sheet will allow you to share the things that matter most for your child’s success in the classroom—without overwhelming the teacher.
Here’s What You Should Include:
Your Child’s Name, Age, and Grade Level: Start with the basics! This helps the teacher get to know who your child is and where they fit in developmentally.
Your Child’s Strengths: Highlight the things your child excels at! Whether it's their love for art, their ability to make friends, or their skill at solving puzzles—let the teacher know what they shine at. This helps the teacher know where to start building a positive connection with your child.
Your Child’s Challenges or Needs: Be upfront about the areas where your child might need extra support. Whether it’s socializing, focusing, or managing emotions—giving the teacher insight into potential challenges allows them to be proactive with strategies that work best.
Preferred Communication Style: Does your child respond well to visual supports? Do they need extra time to process information? Are they more verbal or non-verbal? Providing this info helps the teacher tailor their communication approach to best meet your child’s needs.
Sensory Preferences or Sensitivities: If your child has any sensory preferences (like a love of fidget tools, a need for quiet time, or sensitivity to loud noises), it’s important to share these. Sensory needs can make or break a day, so providing that information upfront will help prevent discomfort and meltdowns.
Behavioral Strategies That Work: Share strategies that work for your child when they are feeling overwhelmed or anxious. Do they prefer a calming corner? Is deep pressure helpful? Do they respond well to positive reinforcement? This will help the teacher know how to best support your child during challenging moments.
What Motivates Your Child: Whether it's praise, a favorite toy, or a break to play outside—letting the teacher know what motivates your child helps build a connection and keeps them engaged.
Family Information: Include a little bit about your family—anything that might be helpful for the teacher to know about your child’s support system at home. This can be anything from siblings to pets or even family routines that might affect your child’s school day.
Any Other Helpful Information: Anything else that will help the teacher understand and connect with your child better. This might include things like favorite activities, how they handle transitions, or how they like to end their day.
How Does This Help Your Child?
By sharing this sheet with the teacher, you’re setting your child up for a positive and productive school year. It helps the teacher get to know your child beyond just the official paperwork. It also opens up communication between you and the teacher, showing that you’re an active participant in your child’s education.
Creating a “Get to Know Me” page is not only an empowering tool for your child, but it also helps the teacher provide the best support possible, right from day one. When a teacher has a clearer understanding of who your child is, they can better support their learning, behavior, and social-emotional needs.
Final Thoughts:
So, here’s my big tip from a BCBA: Take a moment to create a "Get to Know Me" one-page for your child. It’s a simple, but impactful way to make sure the teacher is prepared to meet your child’s needs from the start. By setting the stage for positive communication and understanding, you’re setting your child up for success all year long.
