Preparing your students for a substitute teacher/classroom assistant

(Photo Credit: 61311524 © Poznyakov | Dreamstime.com)

With the kids back in school after the break and covid numbers still high, we have many substitute teachers in schools right now, and probably this will continue for the next few months.

There will be constant changes in the classroom, with teachers and students having to take a few days off until this new wave dies down.

Today, I want to offer some advice on having a substitute in the classroom, so autistic children don't feel stressed and unsettled with that change.

• Put a plan in place now, so when a teacher or S.N.A. needs to take sick leave, a written plan is in place, and everyone knows how to proceed.
• Make sure someone is appointed to inform substitute teachers in mainstream classrooms if a child with additional needs is attending that classroom. Although the school principal usually does this, make sure it's noted in the plan to avoid a substitute teacher going into the classroom not knowing about children who may need adaptations and extra support.
• Write down the classroom schedule, and describe any significant information that needs to be taken into account, such as; if a visual schedule is used and how it's used, where and when each activity takes place, or if a student needs regular movement breaks.
• Ensure all S.E.N. students have a short communication passport with all essential information. You can download one that I created for my students here. Fill it in now, and make sure it's available to the substitute teacher or S.N.A. before meeting the students (See example).
• Inform families when there is a substitute teacher or S.N.A. in the classroom. Children might be a bit more unsettled those days, so parents know that could be the reason why. Parents can also talk to their children about the new teachers and reassure them that their teacher/S.N.A. will be back in a few days.
• Create a social story to explain the change in routine in the classroom. Have a photo of the substitute teacher or S.N.A., so children can learn their name and quickly familiarise themselves with this new staff member. In the social story, children can also learn that the change is only for a few days and that their teacher/S.N.A. will return soon.
• Some children get upset if one of their peers is off sick, particularly close friends. In this case, a social story would be helpful to explain that their friend will be back in school soon.

Remember that change can be stressful for autistic children. At times of change, I observe children closely.
If I see higher anxiety levels, I make sure I offer them support by explaining what's happening. I provide more of their preferred activities, breaks, or additional support to deal with the new situation until we return to our regular routine.