Adopting a child with a trauma history often means navigating unique challenges, especially when it comes to education. For many waiting children, their schooling has been disrupted multiple times as they’ve moved between foster homes, school districts, and curriculums. This constant instability, coupled with the lack of a consistent advocate, often results in educational delays. As you welcome your child into your family, a new challenge lies ahead: building trust while ensuring they receive the academic support they need to succeed.
Your primary focus in the early stages should be on connection—establishing trust, creating a bond, and adjusting to new family dynamics. While education is important, prioritizing your child’s emotional security is critical to helping them feel safe and supported. However, you'll also need to navigate school systems that may not fully understand the needs of children with complex backgrounds. Below, we outline steps to help guide you through the process of enrolling your child in school and ensuring they get the educational support they need.
Step 1: School Enrollment
When a child enters your home, it’s required by law that they be enrolled in school within three days. The school must complete an enrollment verification form, which should have been provided in your placement paperwork. Be sure to email the completed form to your caseworker and your child’s CPS caseworker by the third day.
Even if you’re missing certain required documents, schools are still legally obligated to enroll children in state custody. Inform the school that your child is in state care and has Medicaid, as this qualifies them for additional services like free lunch.
Download the School Enrollment Form:
📄 Verification of School Enrollment Form
Step 2: Does Your Child Have a 504 Plan or an IEP?
Many waiting children have individualized education programs (IEPs) or 504 plans in place due to special needs like ADHD, trauma-related behaviors, or learning differences. It’s important to familiarize yourself with these plans and the accommodations provided to support your child’s learning. Schools are required by law to follow the IEP, which may include accommodations such as extra recess, quiet environments for testing, or the use of fidget tools. Reviewing your child’s psychological assessment and CANs assessment will help you understand what has been recommended to support their education.
If your child does not have an IEP or 504 plan, it may be necessary to initiate evaluations to begin this process. Understanding the details of these plans is crucial to advocating for your child’s needs in school.
Learn More About IEPs and 504 Plans:
Additionally, many teachers may not be trauma-informed. If your child’s behaviors stem from their trauma history, it may be helpful to discuss this with their teacher. Transparency, when done thoughtfully, can help teachers better understand and support your child in the classroom.
For more insights on trauma and adoption, check out this article:
If you encounter challenges, some school districts have a foster/adoption liaison familiar with the unique needs of children in foster care. These liaisons can help you navigate the school system and advocate for your child’s rights.
Step 3: Ongoing Documentation
To ensure your child’s educational journey is properly tracked, you should have received a green Educational Portfolio. Make a habit of adding documents such as report cards, progress reports, teacher emails, IEP information, assessments, and certificates to this portfolio each month. Keeping this documentation organized is key to tracking your child’s progress and ensuring they receive the support they need.
Some parents prefer to keep an online folder in Google Docs, or Dropbox that can easily be shared with educational and medical personnel.
Educational Resources for Foster and Adopted Children
Navigating the public school system for children in foster care or adoption can be complex, but there are valuable resources to help guide you through this process. The Texas Education Agency (TEA) website provides excellent guidance, including resources for foster care students:
Their Foster Care Resource Guide also offers information on free services for younger children, including preschool programs:
Additional Support for Waiting Children
Many waiting children benefit from specialized services that go beyond traditional education. Here are some additional resources that could provide significant support for your child:
- State-Funded Behavioral Skills Therapy: Helps children develop positive behaviors and emotional regulation.
- Equine Therapy: A therapeutic approach that uses horses to promote emotional growth.
- ECI (Early Childhood Intervention): For children under 3, offering early developmental support.
- Head Start & School Pre-K Programs: For children ages 3-5, with guaranteed enrollment regardless of waitlists.
- Occupational and Speech Therapy: Often provided through the school system for children needing developmental support.
- Local Mental Health Authority: Offers psychiatric services, medication management, and respite care for children who may need additional mental health support.
- Free Play Therapy: Many local colleges offer free play therapy services, which can be incredibly beneficial for children working through trauma.
Advocating for Your Child’s Educational Success
At the end of the day, you are your child’s most important advocate. While the ARD process and navigating the school system can be challenging, your role is to ensure that your child gets the support they need to thrive in school. Stay proactive, document everything, and don’t hesitate to reach out to school liaisons or external resources for help.
As you continue building trust and bonding as a family, remember that a strong educational foundation will help your child not only succeed academically but also grow emotionally and socially.
For more information or guidance, explore the following resources:
- Foster Care & Student Success TEA Website
- Statewide Webinars on IEPs
- Navigate Life Texas ARD Process
How You Can Help:
- Support Gladney's New Beginnings Program: Learn more about how you can get involved in supporting waiting children in Texas.
- Volunteer or Mentor: Become a mentor to a waiting child and help them navigate their educational and emotional challenges.
- Advocate: Share posts about waiting children, to limit the time they spend waiting for a family.
