Answering all of the key questions about the kindergarten experience, this compact guide will give parents the confidence to be the most effective, up-to-speed advocates as their child enters formal education."Which school should I choose, or should I home-school?""How can I prepare my child for kindergarten?""How can I work with teachers?""What services and support will my child need?""What is an Individualized Education Program (IEP)?" In a warm, parent-to-parent style, Margaret Oliver explains the essentials of how the educational system is structured, how special education laws are applied, and what current educational trends mean for individual children. She also gives strategies to overcome sensory, behavioral, social, emotional and communication difficulties.

Margaret Oliver is a special education teacher whose experience includes teaching kindergarten through eighth grade children with ASD in Akron, Ohio. She also advocates for relatives and friends with ASD.

Acknowledgements. Introduction. Transition to Kindergarten. The Purpose of this Book. How to Use this Book. 1. Kindergarten Transition and Placement. 1.1. The Choice of "Where". 1.2. Transition Plan. 2. Parent/Teacher Communication. 2.1. Communication is Key. 2.2. Communication Traits. 2.3. Communication Guidelines. 2.4. Making the Plan. 3. The Individualized Education Program (IEP). 3.1. Structure of an IEP. 3.2. The Thoughtful IEP. 3.3. Creating the IEP. 3.4. Implementing the IEP. 3.5. The Supportive IEP. 4. Academics. 4.1. The Subjects. 4.2. Assessments. 4.3. Interventions. 4.4. Influence of Cognitive Theories. 4.5. Learn a Mile in your Child's Shoes. 4.6. Terminology. 5. Cognitive Theories. 5.1. Executive Function. 5.2. Theory of Mind. 5.3. Central Coherence. 5.4. Building on your Knowledge. 6. Communication and ASD. 6.1. Connecting through Conversation. 6.2. Speech-Language Therapist's Role. 6.3. Communication at School. 6.4. Communication's Role in Learning. 6.5. Paving the Way. 7. Social and Emotional Growth. 7.1. Flexible Friendships. 7.2. Supporting Social Skills. 7.3. Teaching Emotions. 7.4. A Positive Impact. 8. Behavior and Sensory Support. 8.1. Behavior and Sensory Defined. 8.2. Where to Begin. 8.3. Ways to Accommodate. 8.4. Ways to Teach. 8.5. Planning for Independence. 9. Looking to the Future. 9.1. Two Transitions. 9.2. Everyone's Working Harder. 9.3. Advocate today for Independence Tomorrow. Practical Tools. References. Further Reading. Helpful Websites. Index.