Expert perspective: Finding an appropriate special needs school

July 9, 3:31 AMLA Special Education ExaminerDr. Kari Miller

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In this edition of expert corner, Fay Levinson, Los Angeles school placement specialist, discusses how to determine if a special needs school is the right fit for your child.

How can I evaluate special needs schools to find one that is right for my child?
Tour the school and ask if it would be possible to sit in on the class that would be your child's class. Get a feel for the interaction among the students and between the teacher and students. Do you feel your child would feel welcomed there?

Ask about the curriculum, educational philosophy, and teaching styles. Evaluate the fit between the school’s approach and your child’s profile of strengths and needs. Note the teacher/student ratio to identify whether your child will receive the right level of individual support. Determine if your child will receive any needed ancillary services he such as speech and language or counseling.

Be sure to determine what accommodations and modifications the teachers will make in the way they present lessons and assess your child’s progress. Be sure that your child’s needs match the type of accommodations and modifications the school provides.

Determine whether the teachers are certified and well-trained in the areas in which they teach. Find out if the teachers receive clear guidance and supervision from school administrators. Be sure to ask how often the faculty participates in training to keep teachers and administrators current with research and techniques.

Notice if the school facility is maintained in a safe and clean manner. Will your child have difficulty with stairs or other physical barriers?

Note whether the school has the type of extra-curricular activities that your child enjoys, such as sports, art, drama and after school clubs. These programs enrich your child’s educational experience, provide a valuable platform for developing self-esteem and teach your child social skills.

Geography is important. Is the school on your way to work? Is transportation provided? You need to balance what you gain from a school with the impact of being far away. A long commute can take a toll on your family in terms of factors such as the stress of the commute and the challenge of setting up social experiences with classmates.

What is your intuitive reaction to your school visit? Do you feel welcome? Do you have the sense that you could go to the principal/director with any concerns?

Click here to read about special school options in Los Angeles.

Read about how to determine whether a public or special needs school is best for your child.

Fay Levinson is a psychologist in private practice in Los Angeles. For years she has assisted families in the process of finding the right school for their child. An expert in the process of learning and development, she provides support for parents as they face some of the challenges of raising children. She can be contacted via email. fayvdk@sbcglobal.net
 

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