Back to School Resources

Whether you're preparing for preschool, elementary school, middle school, high school, or planning for life after graduation, we're here to help. Explore these resources below. We hope you have a successful and inclusive school year.

Throughout the week, we will be adding helpful information and resources. If you have any questions, please feel free to reach us at info@designergenesnd.com or 701-751-2071 (office).

Back to School Checklist

“All About Me” Page

“All About Me” pages is a great way to share with your school team, classmates, therapists, and more. Its a great way to highlight your child’s strengths. It also offers an opportunity to share with your school a parents communication style throughout the year.

Check out some of these examples below:

Guidelines for Inclusive Education

National Down Syndrome Society has put together a Down Syndrome: Guidelines for Inclusive Education Handbook. This is a resource for both families and education teams.

Learning Profile

Children with Down syndrome have a specific developmental profile of strengths and challenges. This graphic summarizes the strengths and challenges associated with the main aspects of the specific learning profile as well as the unique range of sensory, physical, and cognitive needs of this group of learners.

Find this printable along with additional resources by clicking HERE or the picture below.

North Dakota Education Information

North Dakota Protection & Advocacy

Pathfinder Services of ND is the Parent Training and Information Center (PTI) for the state of North Dakota.

Every state has at least one Parent Center, designated and funded by the U.S. Department of Education, Office of Special Education Programs (OSEP).

The Parent Information Centers program is one of the primary vehicles under the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) for providing information and training to parents of children with disabilities.

Advocacy Opportunities

There are many opportunities to get involved and advocate in North Dakota. For more information about how to get involved in education related issues in our state, please reach out to our Designer Genes office.

We would enjoy the opportunity to meet with you and share about different opportunities in North Dakota.

The K‑12 Education Coordination Council is seeking a new member!

This council brings together leaders from across North Dakota to strengthen collaboration, streamline education services, and support statewide initiatives that improve outcomes for all students. Members help review programs, identify opportunities for coordination, and provide recommendations that shape the future of K‑12 education in our state.

Districts are encouraged to submit applications before August 31.

Learn more about the Council and apply here: https://apps.nd.gov/gov/boards/Application/PersonalInfo