Back-to-school season can bring excitement, anxiety, and uncertainty for any family—but for foster and adoptive families, it often carries added layers of complexity. From navigating trauma-triggered behaviors in the classroom to understanding the maze of IEPs (Individualized Education Program) and 504 plans, caregivers often find themselves needing to speak up in spaces that aren’t always trauma-informed.

In this post, we’re sharing practical tools, insights from educators and caregivers, and heartfelt encouragement to help foster parents become confident advocates in the education system.

Why Trauma-Informed Classrooms Matter

Trauma doesn’t stay at home—it walks into every classroom. For children in foster care, school can be a place of healing, but only if educators understand how trauma affects learning.

How trauma shows up in school:

• Trouble with memory or following instructions
• Hypervigilance, distractibility, or emotional outbursts
• Shutdowns, anxiety, or avoidance behaviors

These aren’t defiance—they’re survival responses. Trauma-informed classrooms use empathy, structure, and flexibility to create safe spaces for learning.

From the Classroom – Interview with Teacher Chris Hatch:

Chris Hatch is a dedicated 5th grade teacher who has spent years building safe, supportive classrooms for students—especially those impacted by trauma and foster care. He believes that learning begins with trust and that consistency, compassion, and clear boundaries are key to helping students feel secure enough to thrive. Through his trauma-informed approach, Chris creates a space where every child feels seen, valued, and capable.

“Kids can’t learn or retain information well if they don’t feel like they belong. With almost every foster student I’ve worked with, the beginning of the year was especially challenging. It wasn’t until they realized that I would prioritize their human needs and follow through on my word that they began to trust me. With that trust came a dramatic decrease in behavior issues and a significant increase in academic effort.”

Foster parents and educators Ally and Michael know firsthand how instability outside of school affects everything inside the classroom. Ally and Michael are both educators and foster parents, bringing a unique dual perspective to supporting youth in and out of the classroom. Ally teaches elementary students, while Michael works with high schoolers. Together, they’ve fostered teens and understand firsthand how trauma, instability, and educational gaps can affect a child’s ability to learn. Their experiences as both teachers and caregivers have shaped a compassionate, realistic approach to advocacy—one grounded in relationship, patience, and meeting kids exactly where they are.

“When kids don’t have their basic needs met—or don’t feel emotionally safe enough to trust that those needs will be met—they just aren’t wired to focus on education that day,” Michael shared. “When you don’t know where you’ll live next, focusing on something like Latin demonstrative pronouns just doesn’t register.”

Even when a child enjoys school, years of transitions and gaps in support can make it difficult to build the academic foundation they need to succeed.

“One of our foster placements came to us in fifth grade, but she couldn’t read at grade level,” Ally explained. “Despite all the effort we put in at home, we eventually realized she had a learning disability—and yet, after years in the same school, she still didn’t have an IEP.”

They learned how difficult and slow the process of securing educational support, like an IEP or a 504 plan, could be. It wasn’t until Ally submitted a formal letter that things finally moved forward.

Helpful Tip: If you’re not getting traction with phone calls or emails, submit a formal written request for evaluation. This triggers a timeline schools are legally obligated to follow.

What is an IEP?

An IEP or Individualized Educational Program is a legal document developed for public school students in the U.S. who are eligible for special education services under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA). An IEP outlines the student’s unique learning needs, goals, services, accommodations, and how progress will be measured.

What is a 504 Plan?

A 504 Plan is a formal plan developed by schools in the U.S. to provide accommodations and support to students with disabilities so they can fully participate in the general education classroom. It falls under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, a civil rights law that protects individuals with disabilities from discrimination.

Unlike an IEP (which provides specialized instruction), a 504 Plan is for students who don’t need special education but still need some adjustments—like extended time on tests, preferential seating, or breaks during the day—to help them learn and thrive in school.

Back-to-School Prep: What Foster Parents Can Do

Preparing for the school year means more than buying supplies—it means ensuring your child’s team knows how to support them. Here’s a checklist to help:

✅ Notify the school of foster/adoptive status (as appropriate)
✅ Share custody/visitation schedules
✅ List emergency contacts and caseworker info
✅ Review/update IEP or 504 plans
✅ Schedule a “Meet the Teacher” meeting

🖨️ [Download the full printable IEP Prep Sheet below.]

Additional Tip: Ask if your child can meet the school counselor at the start of the school year. Building that relationship before a crisis happens can make a huge difference.

Advocating for Your Child: Tips & Tools

You have the right to:

• Request IEP/504 evaluations
• Participate in meetings and decisions
• Ask for regular progress updates
• Share trauma-informed strategies that work at home

IEP Meeting Tip: Bring written notes about your child’s strengths, challenges, and goals. Our printable IEP Prep Sheet can help you stay organized.

IEP Preparation Tip: Ask for a draft of the IEP before the meeting. This gives you time to review and come prepared with suggestions or questions.

Chris Hatch says:

“Students thrive when they know their trusted adults are on their side. I appreciate when parents reach out about anything, big or small. When students know their parents will advocate for them socially, academically, and emotionally, they tend to rise to meet those expectations.”

Ally and Michael agree. Their advice to fellow foster parents? Be persistent. Be honest. And advocate early.

“I wish I had been a bit less ‘nice’ and more firm about what I and the kids needed—like being clear and assertive about it,” Ally said. “It would’ve saved us time and helped her sooner.”

More Ways to Support Learning at Home:

• Create consistent routines (homework time, bedtime)
• Use visuals or checklists for kids who need extra structure
• Ask about quiet workspaces or sensory-friendly options at school

Know This: Kids in foster care are categorically eligible for Title I services. Ask if your school offers small group instruction, tutoring, or mentoring programs.

Being a foster parent means showing up in systems that weren’t built with your family in mind—and still finding ways to help your child succeed. Whether you’re fighting for support services or simply helping your child feel seen, your advocacy makes a difference.

“Sometimes just showing them that you’re worried—that you care—makes all the difference,” Ally said. “Even if they roll their eyes, they remember it.”

From setting consistent expectations to collaborating with teachers, your voice matters.

You are your child’s safe place—and you are not alone.

🖨️ Resources included in this post to download/print:

• IEP Prep Sheet
• Student Profile Sheet Templates [OPTION 1] [OPTION 2]
• Back To School Prep Checklist
• Support Letter Template: Request for Special Education Evaluation
• IEP vs. 504 Comparison Chart

Kaitlin Earnest, Contributor