08/09/2026
Back to School: Building Skills Before They’re Needed
Going back to school can mean a lot of changes at once. New routines, new people, new expectations, and new environments.
One of the ways ABA therapy can help prepare children for school is by breaking the larger goal of “going back to school” into individual skills and practicing those skills before they’re needed in the actual situation.
That might include practicing:
Carrying and organizing a backpack
Opening lunch containers independently
Following a daily routine or visual schedule
Waiting, taking turns, and participating in a group
Asking for help or communicating needs
Transitioning from one activity to another
Using strategies to manage challenging sensory environments
By practicing these skills in smaller, manageable steps, children have opportunities to build independence, confidence, and flexibility before encountering those situations at school.
At Behavior Resource Center, our goal isn’t just to teach skills during therapy. It’s to help our learners use those skills where they matter most in everyday life.
Here are 5 ways to help support a successful transition:
🎒 Practice school skills ahead of time. Work on carrying a backpack, opening a lunchbox, waiting in line, asking for help, and transitioning between activities.
🔇 Prepare for sensory needs. Think about noise, crowds, cafeteria smells, lighting, clothing, and other sensory experiences your child may encounter.
⭐ Use familiar items & reinforcement. When appropriate, familiar or preferred items can provide comfort, while reinforcement can help make new and challenging routines more positive.
🤝 Keep communication open. Parents, teachers, therapists, and other members of the child’s team can work together to share what is working and where additional support may be needed.
Call us today to see how we can help!
Behavior Resource Center
Serving in Kerrville, Boerne and surrounding areas
830.896.6319