Welcome back to the final day of the Paperwork Reset Guide: 4 Days to Start the Year Strong. Hopefully Days 1, 2, and 3 have helped you get a solid start on those beginning of year tasks and left you feeling a little less overwhelmed. Even if you only tackled one or two items from each day, that’s awesome! Celebrate what you’ve accomplished and remember to give yourself grace. You’re working hard. Day 4 is all about teamwork.
“Teamwork makes the dream work” is a phrase I use often with my family, and it rings true for our school communities as well. Why wouldn’t we all work together, especially in education? Collaboration makes everyone’s lives easier and models the same communication and cooperation we ask of our students.
Special education doesn’t (and shouldn’t) happen in isolation, it’s always a team effort. Building strong communication systems with families and colleagues not only keeps everyone aligned but also sets the tone for collaboration throughout the year.
Prepare communication logs
Set reminders to connect with families on a cadence that works for you, and record those communications (electronic or paper).
Remember to reach out for positive events, not just challenges.
Parent participation is a core principle of IDEA. Documenting interactions protects both you and the family while reinforcing that you’re all working toward the student’s success.
Draft a welcome letter or email
Summarize service providers, major goals, and how/when you’ll share progress reports.
Keep the tone warm and approachable - families should feel you’re on their side and excited to work together.
Share information with colleagues
Provide an IEP at a Glance (or SDI summary) to general-education teachers, paraeducators, and related service providers.
Include schedules, accommodations, and key supports so everyone stays consistent in meeting student needs.
Set expectations for collaboration
Establish norms with your team (e.g., weekly check-ins, quick text updates, or monthly data reviews).
Clarify how staff should communicate concerns or share progress so nothing slips through the cracks.
⚡ Investing in communication now prevents confusion later. When parents and staff feel informed, they’re more engaged, and students benefit from consistent support.
😀 Teamwork lightens your load. You don’t have to do everything alone. Invite colleagues and families into the process. A strong network makes the year smoother and more rewarding for everyone.
That’s it! Thank you for following along with the Paperwork Reset Guide: 4 Days to Start the Year Strong.
I’ll leave you with this: growth often comes through adversity, hardship, and even failure. While challenges can feel heavy in the moment, what waits on the other side is strength, knowledge, and resilience. Keep showing up and doing the amazing work you’re already doing, you are making a difference every single day.