Happy Halloween from HASA Gateway school!

The holiday season can be overwhelming for anyone! We’ve got some tips for you to create a welcoming, safe, and inclusive environment for everyone for Trick-or-Treating:

1. Be mindful that a child may be mustering up all their courage and patience to participate in Halloween activities.
2. Remain composed. A child may try to grab more than one piece of candy or push ahead in line. They might get overwhelmed and stand stock-still, not reaching for any candy at all. There is a chance that they will cover their ears or eyes
3. Please be patient. It might take longer to approach your house, pick a piece of candy, and then leave afterward.
4. Be understanding. Some children are nonverbal. Just because they don’t say “trick-or-treat” or “thank you,” that doesn’t mean they aren’t enjoying the experience!
5. Consider that some kids are very sensitive to fabric and temperature, so they might only be wearing part of their costume, or no costume by the time they come to your door.
6. Offer a variety of treats such as non-food items for children with allergies or who are on special diets.

Treating families with compassion and not expecting every child to interact the same way is a surefire way to make everyone happy and spreading Halloween cheer.

Follow these simple trick-or-treating tips and everyone will have a fun and inclusive experience.

We wish you all a very safe and Happy Halloween!