The Right School for You

In the field of special needs, we are constantly faced with families having trouble finding the right school for their children. In many ways, the "perfect" school does not exist, because schools are communities of people and we all know that humans are not perfect. We have found, over time, that some schools are a better match than others.

We have compiled a list of a few things to take into consideration when finding a school for your child, or deciding to change schools.

(1) The School's Philosophy
While doing your research, check out the school's philosophy and mission statement. Obviously these appear simply as words on a page/website, so when you visit the school you will have an idea of what to expect. Develop some questions surrounding the practical outworking of the mission statement, and if you see no evidence of the school practicing what they preach then it would be a good sign that the school might not be as reliable as you'd hoped.

(2) Classroom Climate
It is very difficult to see what a classroom environment is like ahead of time, but it is easy to see if a current classroom is a healthy place (or not) for your child. Volunteer to help with student work, and you will soon see how the teachers conduct their lessons and classroom management. When you are present, it is highly likely you will not see a completely accurate picture of your child's behavior as it will be different with you there. You should, however, be able to pick up on nuances of the classroom climate and culture. Keep an eye out for the quality of interaction between the children and the teachers - but please remember that teachers are professionals, and you are on their "turf". If you have an issue with something that you see, make an appropriate time to talk about it per appointment. Also, if you notice positive things about the classroom, why not send your child's teacher an encouraging email? Kindness from parents goes a long way.

(3) Environmental Setup
Does the classroom have natural light? Is the classroom well ventilated? Is there a place for your child to calm down and take a break? How are the acoustics of the room? Are there any consistent outside noises that will distract your child from learning? These are all factors that may hinder your child's education. Some classrooms are underneath the gym, and shake loudly when games like basketball are played. Some rooms have only artificial sources of light, and this can cause a sense of "cabin fever". Think about your child's greatest challenges, and be specific. Remember that there are some things that your child will have to learn to overcome, and that the school shouldn't need to alter everything to accommodate your son or daughter - but - on the other hand, feel free to ask respectfully.

(4) Open Spaces (parking lot etc.)
Certain inner city schools have large parking lots, elevators and various other hoops to jump through before a child enters the classroom. For many kids, this is no big deal. For children with sensory sensitivities (and other special needs) this can be extremely overwhelming and cause early morning behavioral problems due to overstimulation. Since the beginning of the school day is crucial, you may want to consider a smaller school for children with differences.

(5) Services and Modifications
Some schools will offer services such as Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy or Social Skills Groups. We recommend that you find out what kind of support systems are available when looking for a school, and also ask about what kinds of modifications they will allow for your child's special needs. It is very important for some children to be allowed to take breaks when they are melting down, overstimulated, tired, hyperactive or bored. Think about ways in which your child could have low maintenance modifications, and pitch them as ideas to the teachers. When talking to teachers, try to think of ways your child can be responsible for his/her own self regulation - as often times there will not be a spare teacher to help your child take a break.

It goes without saying that you are your child's best advocate when it comes to their education. When making a first impression on potential teachers, do your best to understand that your child is not the only (or the most important) student in the class. Try not to be overbearing, because teachers often have trouble building relationships with students whose parents become high maintenance. Our best advice is to listen to your parental intuition, speak up when you need to and work with the teacher to challenge your child to reach new heights.