Is a Special Education School Right For Your Child?

In deciding on a placement for your child with special needs, you may be considering a specialized school. These schools typically serve students with the same general disability classification. For example, some schools specialize in autism, while others cater to students with dyslexia or another learning disability. Before you make the leap and enroll your child in this type of school, make sure you do your research. There are some questions you should be asking the school and yourself before you officially commit.

Questions to Ask/Consider:

1. First, and most importantly, visit whatever school(s) you are considering. That initial feeling you get from the building or campus may be very telling! If possible, bring your child, too, and ask for his or her input.

2. What is the student-to-teacher ratio? Make sure you feel that your child will get enough attention while also building independence.

3. What resources are available to parents? Will the school support you? How?

4. How does the school handle disciplinary issues? This will be especially important if your child struggles with behavior.

5. What is the visitation policy? Do they allow parents to observe their child’s classroom and when?

6. What is their homework policy? How heavily is homework weighed, and how is it graded? What is the school’s overall grading policy?

7. What are the teacher’s qualifications? How does the school support teachers? Teachers can’t be effective when they are unhappy, so try to get a sense of whether teachers enjoy working there.

8. Are there after-school/extracurricular activities available?

Pros and Cons

It’s also important to weigh the pros and cons of sending your child to a specialized school. There are likely to be pros and cons that are unique to your child’s specific needs and circumstances. Here is a list of some of the more general benefits and downsides.