A few weeks into the new school year ..... how's it going?

The teachers are getting to know their students, and we hope the students are settling in too, especially those who have started school for the first time, changed to a new school or started high school - all major transitions that take time, thought and effort.

Down Syndrome NSW can assist the transition of students with Down syndrome into new educational environments, and progress through school in several ways:

- through the Learning, Education and Schooling pages on our website, we have provided links to the very best sources of information and resources available to assist teachers to facilitate learning for their students

- schools are welcome to take out membership of DS NSW, so that all of their staff gain access to our library; receive our regular Updates and Newsletter; are entitled to members' discounts for DS NSW training and education events

- we schedule several half-day and one-day workshops around NSW each year, some of them designed specifically for classroom teachers and school personnel. Over the next few weeks, we are holding workshops for teachers in Armidale, Warners Bay, Wollongong and Broken Hill.

- a "starting School" seminar for parents of children enrolling in primary school over the next couple of years is scheduled for 14th June.

- our information and support staff are available to assist with particular concerns by phone on 02 9683 4333 and email at support@dsansw.org.au

- by telling you about new discoveries, ideas, resources and events as they become available

- by helping you to find the additional services or programs that you might need from time to time

It's easy to underestimate, as a parent ,just how much you know about your child in particular, and about Down syndrome in general, even by the time they first start school. By then we've seen several years of development and learning, have closely observed our children in different environments, and made carefully considered decisions about how and where they will go to school.

Most teachers have not taught many students with Down syndrome, and some will never have encountered a child with Down syndrome at all. So it is important to be open and articulate about what your expectations are. "What I want my child's teacher to know" , an "action sheet" from the PACER Centre in MInnesota might be a real help in letting your child's teacher know what you hope for, and how your input can help your child and his teacher to have the best school experience.