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Choosing a special education program for your child can be difficult. One of the biggest choices a parent of a child with special needs will ever make is the selection of a school. Nancy Stein, a speech pathologist at Variety Child Learning Center in Syosset, New York, prepared a list of questions every parent should ask when selecting a school for a child with special needs.

Can I visit the school and observe the special education program?
This is a must. You should be permitted to closely observe child-to-child interaction and the interactions of children with multiple staff members in different areas of the school.

Is there a team approach to special education?
An ideal school will have multiple professionals (such as speech pathologists and physical therapists) working closely with each child and with each other, as dictated by the child’s needs. They will keep parents informed with regular meetings.

Where are services given?
Therapists run on a tight schedule; if classrooms are far apart or in different buildings, the travel time comes out of class time.

How much communication is there between teachers and parents?
All schools use parent-teacher meetings to convey information, but more communication is ideal. Some schools encourage parents and teachers to keep in contact by using a notebook passed back and forth with the child each day.

Are the special needs kids ever included with the general population, and—if so— when?
Some schools keep special needs children almost in “lockdown,” rarely allowing interaction with regular education students. Ideally, at least electives like arts and assemblies will be integrated, with academic subjects taught either in a dedicated special education classroom or with regular education students, depending upon the needs of each child.

Are integrated events well supervised?
Schools should provide extra supervision at these times in order to ensure that interaction stays positive and inclusive.

May I talk to a parent whose child attends the school in the special education program?
A parent’s perspective is a unique one, and talking to an “alumni parent” allows you to get a feel for both the pros and cons of the school’s special education program.

How can I learn more?
To learn more about special education, attend Disaboom’s first Expert Forum event, from April 21-28 in Discussions.