Back-to-School Prep for AAC Users: A Parent’s Guide to a Successful Start

As the new school year approaches, many families are checking off supply lists and shopping for backpacks. But if your child uses AAC (augmentative and alternative communication), preparing for school involves a few extra—but incredibly important—steps.

Whether your child is starting a new grade, entering a new school, or returning to a familiar classroom, these three key strategies will help ensure a smoother transition and a strong start to the year—for your child and his or her school team.

1. Get the Device Ready for the Classroom

Your child’s AAC device is their voice—so making sure it’s ready for daily use is one of the most important things you can do before school starts.

Checklist to get the device school-ready:

• Check the battery health: Is it charging properly? Holding a charge throughout the day?

• Clean the screen and case: Make sure it’s in good shape, easy to use, and inviting.

• Test core vocabulary and functions: Are the most used and needed words accessible? Do buttons respond well? Are volume and access methods (touch, switch, eye gaze) functioning?

• Consider packing extras: Do you have an extra charger? Will it travel daily? If your child needs a mount, could one stay at school? A laminated low-tech backup board is always a great option!

• Schedule an update or check-in with your SLP or AAC specialist if anything seems off.
  

Pro tip: If your child’s AAC system includes personalization (like names of family members or favorite toys), take a moment to update it with current favorites or new experiences from summer break!

2. Prepare Your Child for the Transition

Every child experiences back-to-school jitters—but for AAC users, practicing routines and communication ahead of time can make a big difference.

Ways to support your child:

• Create a simple social story about going back to school—include their classroom, teacher, communication device, and bus or drop-off routine. Do you need one? Just email us!

• Role-play common school situations at home, like asking for a break, choosing lunch foods, or greeting peers—all using the AAC system.

• Practice talking about new topics like "my summer," "my friends," "I feel nervous," or “I’m excited”—these are likely to come up in those first few weeks.

• Use a countdown calendar to help your child prepare emotionally and mentally for the transition.

Encouragement goes a long way—remind them (and yourself!) that they (and you!) are capable, prepared, and supported.

3. Create a “Meet My Child” Teacher Guide

Your child’s teacher may be new to AAC—or even to working with non-speaking students. One of the most helpful things you can do is send a concise, friendly document introducing your child as a communicator and learner.

What to include in your “Meet My Child” guide:

• About Me: Your child’s name, age, interests, strengths, and sensory preferences

• How I Communicate: Type of AAC system used, how they best access it (touch, switch, etc.), what core words or phrases are essential, what gestures or signs they use

• Tips for Interaction: How to model AAC, what to do when your child doesn’t respond, and how to recognize when they’re engaged, overwhelmed, or need support

• My Communication Goals: Any current focus areas (e.g., requesting, commenting, using sentences, social interactions)

• Team Info: Contact information for your child’s speech therapist or AAC consultant, and how to reach you with questions
  

You can even include a short video of your child using their device or a few screenshots of their AAC layout—this visual context is incredibly helpful for educators!

Bonus tip: Save this as a PDF or Google Doc so you can easily share it with the teacher, aides, therapists, and even the school nurse.
Do you need a “All About Me (my child)” Guide? Email us!

Final Thoughts

Back-to-school season can feel overwhelming—but preparation is empowering. By taking the time to set your child and their AAC system up for success, you’re laying the foundation for communication, confidence, and connection in the classroom.

You're not just getting ready for school—you’re helping your child’s voice be heard loud and clear, every single day.

Here’s to a year of growth, inclusion, and great conversations.