Back to School: Making Curriculum Nights Actually Inclusive
Across the country, schools are welcoming families back with Curriculum Nights, Open Houses, and parent events. These evenings are meant to build community, introduce staff, and set the tone for the year. But too often, they unintentionally send a message: this night is for general education families only.
The Missed Opportunity
Typical back-to-school communications focus on following a student’s class schedule, meeting teachers, and hearing about what’s ahead. For many families, that’s straightforward. But for students with disabilities — who may have resource time, paraprofessional support, or special services — these events can feel like a closed door.
When families don’t see their child’s team represented, or when schedules don’t reflect their child’s day, the message is clear: inclusion stops at the classroom door.
What Schools and PTAs Can Do
The good news is, small shifts can make a big difference. Here are a few ideas any school can try:
List all staff. Make sure paraprofessionals, special educators, therapists (speech, OT, PT), and support staff are named in event communications. Representation matters.
Offer an inclusion track. If families can’t “follow a schedule” the way gen ed families do, create a space to meet the resource team, learn about supports, and ask questions.
Highlight services. Share how inclusion works in your building. Even a short explanation signals that these students are part of the community.
Accessibility check. Ensure spaces are sensory-friendly, interpreters are available if needed, and printed materials use clear language and fonts.
Why It Matters
Back-to-school events are more than logistics. They are cultural signals. When families of students with disabilities see their children reflected, it builds trust and belonging. When they don’t, it reinforces isolation.
Inclusion isn’t just about what happens in the classroom. It’s about who gets a seat at the table from day one. This fall, let’s make sure every family walks away from Curriculum Night feeling: we belong here.