Tips for Transitioning to Summer
For many families, summer brings a welcome break from school-year
demands—but for children with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), that
transition can sometimes be stressful. Shifts in routine, changes in environment,
or a lack of structure can lead to challenges in behavior or emotional regulation.
Daily routines provide predictability, which helps children feel safe and secure by
giving them a consistent structure they can count on. Even when school is out,
maintaining a daily structure can reduce anxiety. Here are a few ideas for a
smoother transition:
● Create a visual schedule with clear transitions throughout the day.
● Involve your child in developing the schedule to build ownership.
● Allow for flexibility throughout the day.
Summer can be a time to reinforce the progress your child has made during the
school year, with fun in mind.
● If your child is working on reading, visit the library and help your child
choose a book. Read to, and with, your child at home.
● If your child is working on speech, try games like I Spy, Go Fish, Candy
Land, Headbanz, or 20 Questions.
● If your child is working on fine motor skills, try Legos, puzzles, Play-Doh, or
cooking together.
● If your child enjoys a quiet workspace or sensory breaks, create a calm
corner with a small tent, pillows, blankets, music, fidget toys, or
headphones, as appropriate.
● If your child enjoys being outside, take a nature walk and bring a camera,
visit different playgrounds, or plant seeds and chart their growth.
● If your child enjoys the arts, get creative at home by keeping on hand
washable paint, chalk, clay, foam paintbrushes, or easy-to-grip tools.
● Have a dance party and let your child choose the music. Make it into a
game and play freeze dance—when you stop the music, your child freezes
OR let them control the music and you freeze!
● If your child is older, consider activities that support independence while
having fun: many local parks and recreation programs offer adapted sports
and activities, plan and cook simple meals together, plan and complete a
trip to the grocery store, practice doing laundry, or practice completing
employment applications, if appropriate.
● Develop a scavenger hunt for your child to find items related to different
themes (such as kitchen tools, self-care products, or nature items) based
on their individual needs or preferences.
● Use household items such as pillows, tape, blankets, pots/pans, etc. to
build an in-home obstacle course to practice balance and following
directions.
● Create a summer memory book using magazines to clip pictures from,
items found on walks, take photos and print.
● Develop a daily and weekly structure, and involve your child when planning
the schedule or day trips. Focus on short, consistent, and engaging
activities instead of high-pressure lessons, and most importantly, keep it
fun!
Free Summer Meals for Children 18 and Younger
Over 900,000 North Carolina students rely on school meals during the year.
When school is out, NC SUN Meals Programs make sure that kids and teens
(ages 18 and under) still have access to free, nutritious meals all summer long.
What you need to know:
● Meals are served at schools and community sites across the state.
● In some rural areas, SUN Meals To-Go (pick-up or delivery) may be
available.
● Sites often include fun activities, fitness, and learning opportunities!
● Learn more about the NC SUN Meals Program, which includes a map to
help families find program locations.
NC SUN Meals Programs are administered by the NC Department of Public Instruction
(NCDPI), with federal assistance from the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA).
SUN Bucks, a food assistance program administered by the NC Department of Health and Human Services (NCDHHS) is also back this summer. Through the
program, qualifying families will receive a one-time payment of $120 per eligible
child in grocery-buying benefits on a debit-like card. This can be used to
purchase food at grocery stores, farmers markets and some online retailers. Visit the SUN Bucks to learn more about eligibility and the program.
Understanding Legal Guardianship
Legal guardianship is a way for a parent or another trusted adult to keep making
important decisions for a child once they become a legal adult, if the child is
incapable of making these decisions on their own. This can include decisions
about school, healthcare, and where they live. For parents of children with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), guardianship may be something to consider before their child turns 18, since
that’s when the law sees them as adults. Without legal guardianship, parents
may no longer be able to make decisions or be as involved in things like IEP
meetings or medical care. Setting up guardianship through the court can help
make sure your child still gets the support they need if they’re not able to make
those decisions on their own.
Families and students can learn more about legal guardianship at the North Carolina Judicial Branch and Rethinking Guardianship.
Agencies of Interest:
Office of Special Education Programs (U.S. Department of Education)
N.C. Department of Public Instruction
Upcoming events:
Autism Society of North Carolina
Autism Speaks
The Center for Appropriate Dispute Resolution in Special Education
Exceptional Children's Assistance Center
Family Support Network
National Alliance on Mental Illness
NC ABLE
NC Down Syndrome Alliance
Special Olympics North Carolina
Triangle Disability & Autism Services
Do you have an event you would like to share with the community? Please email
with information.
Contact information:
Johanna Lynch, IDEA Parent Liaison
Office of Exceptional Children, NCDPI
Email: johanna.lynch@dpi.nc.gov
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