Learning Disabilities: Taking the Extra Plunge for Your Child

Last week I tagged along with my sister in the lookout for a perfect school for her child who has learning disabilities. Being a parent, she spent many long hours conducting very detailed research into their options before she actually finalized a specific school for her child. This left me thinking - parents are ever-willing to go the extra mile for their child. During her search, it became obvious to me that various parameters are more important then others when looking for a learning disabilities private school. In this blog, I am going to share with a few of the most important parameters you should check when selecting the best school for your special needs child.

• There are various, general parameters that most parents check for when selecting a school for their child, special needs or not. First impressions are important! When you first visit the school, did someone greet you at the gate? Observing the administration staff of the school during their daily routine can tell you many things about the school. For instance, did you get a chance to meet the principal or vice-principal when you visited? Were you invited you for a second meeting and did anyone follow up with you after your first visit? How organized does the school feel when it is in session? Are the teachers attentive to each child's individual needs? How big are the classrooms and what are the student to teacher ratios?

• Once your general concerns are attended to, move on to your child's specific needs. What kind of therapists work with the kids and how often? The learning disabilities private school that you want for your child should offer regular access to a psychologist, guidance counselor, etc. If your child has speech problems, inquire about the method of communication that the school uses in such cases. What kind of extracurricular activities are offered by the school? Is there a music room, art room, an open play area?

• Finally, checkout the classrooms. What kind of interaction takes place between teachers and students? Are students doing meaningful work or simply “sitting there”? Do classrooms have display board? If yes, observe what sort of work is done by the children using these displays. These type of inquiries can offer you an insight into the type of activities and learning being provided at the school.

Selecting a private special education school for your child is am important decision. We hope these tips will help you with your research into private school for students with learning disabilities. Good luck!