How To Choose Schools For Those With Learning Disabilities
Schools for those with learning disabilities are designed to meet the specific needs of students to ensure success. As a parent, you likely want to make sure that the institution you select is a perfect match for your child. The following tips will help you choose schools for kids with learning disabilities:
Facility Environment
You should visit the school to get a feel for the environment. As you walk through the building, it should feel and look clean and safe. Kids should seem happy and well adjusted in the classrooms. The facility grounds should be secure with all visitors required to check in with staff before entering the building. A gym and outdoor play area should be available for students during both class gym times and recess times. Ask about behavioral issues of the student body, current bullying problems, and the rate of suspensions, expulsions, and violent incidents. Find out policies about sick students, too.
Teachers And Staff
Teachers and staff will be of paramount importance as you consider schools for a child with learning disabilities. Specialists will need to be present and available to work with students that have attention and learning problems. A school psychologist, occupational therapist, and speech therapist should be retained on staff for student support. The people on staff should be friendly, caring, supportive, and knowledgeable about working with students with special needs. A facility with low staff turnover is indicative of a positive environment for children because it enables them to bond with the faculty.
Academic Overview
The teaching methods and curriculum should match student learning needs. Optimally, the institution needs to have high expectations for the children without presenting an overwhelming amount of work. The facility should score well with standardized testing, which indicates that the kids are successful in learning their lessons. Ask about the typical homework assignments for children. Find out about extra-curricular opportunities, such as music, art, computers, and library materials.
Meeting Child And Family Needs
The institution should feel like a good fit for both your youngster and for your family as a whole. A supportive environment that encourages children to learn and grow should be a positive place to attend for your child. The teaching methods should help develop young people’s innate learning strengths while providing special attention for weaker areas. The staff of both regular and special education specialties should work together cohesively to provide a well-rounded education experience.
Schools for those with learning disabilities may require some special consideration during the selection process. But once you find one, you can feel confident that your child will receive a high-quality education that meets the youngster’s special academic needs.