Parents of children with special education needs, understand that they have many things to consider regarding obtaining an appropriate education for their child. As families approach schooling, they’ll want to know about the special education options available to them. All parents want to make the right choice when it comes to your child’s education. It can be very helpful to tour a potential school and make sure it is the appropriate fit for your child and ask any necessary questions.
Behavioral Concerns, Specialists and IEPs
Here are some crucial things to research and learn about regarding a school’s special education program:
- The school’s methods and policies in coping with a child’s behavioral issues. You want to understand the school’s strategies and its measurements as to how well they work. Bullying, too, is a matter of concern for any parent, and this especially holds true for the parent of a child with special education needs.
- The types of educational specialists and programs available. You need to know how often such specialists visit the school. The checklist should include whether your child will regularly meet with their service providers such as occupational therapists, physical therapists, physical education teachers, speech pathologists, guidance counselors and psychologists. You may also want to inquire whether your child requires assistive technology services and if the school offers extracurricular activities for special education students.
- The use of paraprofessionals (aide support) at the school. Find out the paraprofessional’s training and background. Also determine whether your child will work with the same paraprofessional each day and whether they will be with your child during recess, lunchtime and field trips as appropriate.
- Ask many questions related to how the school program creates and follows each student’s Individualized Education Program (IEP) to learn more about the IEP’s accommodations, services and strategies. Make sure that you and your child are comfortable with these strategies.
You want to prepare your child as best as you can to live independently. The guidance and learning he or she obtains through a school’s special education program are critical.