Choosing a School for Your Child

All parents have questions about a new school. As a parent of a child with special needs, you may have some very specific concerns. Use the questions below as a guide to help you select a school that best meets the needs of your child.

General Questions

  • What are your school's expectations regarding adapting and modifying curriculum to meet the needs of students?
  • What does your site do to make sure the special needs of students are part of your school community?
  • If my child is in a special day class, will these be opportunities for mainstreaming? In what classes?
  • Who coordinates the mainstreaming of special day class students? Does s/he have other responsibilities as well?
  • How long has the present principal, resource specialist, et. (fill in your interest) been at the school?
  • If your child requires special equipment or services of low incidence disabilities, ask what experiences the staff has with that specific disability?
  • What before and after-school programs are available for students with special needs?
  • Is there a waiting list for the after-school daycare program?
  • What are the grade levels at your site?
  • Are the special education classes in one part of the building or are they integrated throughout the physical plan?
  • What parent/support groups do you have at your site? Are special education parents represented?
  • Are there parents who would be willing to talk about their experiences at the school?
  • What is your school's special focus or vision?
  • Can you please describe your school-wide positive behavior plan?
  • What do you consider your school's greatest success in special education?
  • What challenges do you see for special education students at your school?
  • Are AB 3632 (mental health) services provided on site or are students bused?
  • How many students (RSP, Inclusion, Special Day Classes) are in your special education programs?
  • What percentages of the students receive special education services?
  • Is there anything I did not ask about the special education program at your school that you feel is important?

High School/Middle School Questions

  • Is the campus closed?
  • What electives are available?
  • Is there an after-school tutoring program?
  • What kind of programs are available at the school site? (Community services, health, Beacon, substance abuse, etc.)
  • Does the school have a sports program?
  • Is there block or traditional scheduling?

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