Understanding Your School Options
Public Special Education Schools
- Free tuition and services
- Required to follow IEP/504 plans
- IDEA protections and rights
- Access to related services
Private Special Needs Schools
- Specialized curricula and methods
- Smaller class sizes
- Intensive intervention programs
- Flexible scheduling options
Therapeutic Schools
- Integrated therapy services
- Mental health support
- Behavioral intervention focus
- Crisis management protocols
Charter & Alternative Schools
- Innovative teaching approaches
- Specialized program focus
- Alternative assessment methods
- Flexible learning environments
School Evaluation Framework
Academic Program Quality
Curriculum & Instruction
- • Evidence-based teaching methods
- • Individualized learning plans
- • Multi-sensory instruction approaches
- • Technology integration
- • Progress monitoring systems
Assessment & Progress
- • Regular progress assessments
- • Data-driven instruction
- • Portfolio-based evaluation
- • Standardized test accommodations
- • Transition planning
Staff Qualifications & Support
Teacher Credentials
- • Special education certification
- • Subject-specific expertise
- • Ongoing professional development
- • Student-teacher ratio
- • Years of experience
Support Staff
- • Paraprofessional training
- • Related service providers
- • Behavioral specialists
- • Administrative support
- • Staff turnover rates
School Culture & Environment
Inclusive Environment
- • Acceptance and celebration of differences
- • Anti-bullying policies and enforcement
- • Peer interaction opportunities
- • Social skills development
- • Community building activities
Physical Environment
- • Sensory-friendly spaces
- • Accessibility features
- • Safety and security measures
- • Calm-down rooms/spaces
- • Adaptive equipment availability
Disability-Specific Considerations
Autism Spectrum Disorder
- Structured, predictable routines
- Visual schedules and supports
- Social skills instruction
- Sensory integration supports
- Communication device access
- Transition support strategies
ADHD & Executive Function
- Movement and fidget-friendly environment
- Clear behavioral expectations
- Organization and planning supports
- Frequent breaks and movement
- Positive reinforcement systems
- Time management instruction
Learning Disabilities
- Multi-sensory reading instruction
- Assistive technology training
- Individualized pace of learning
- Alternative assessment methods
- Strength-based instruction
- Self-advocacy skill development
Intellectual Disabilities
- Functional life skills curriculum
- Community-based instruction
- Vocational training opportunities
- Inclusive social experiences
- Adaptive behavior supports
- Person-centered planning
School Visit Checklist
Before Your Visit
- • Schedule visits during regular school hours
- • Prepare a list of specific questions
- • Bring your child's current IEP or evaluation reports
- • Research the school's philosophy and programs
- • Plan to observe multiple classrooms
Classroom Observations
Look For:
- • Student engagement levels
- • Teacher-student interactions
- • Classroom management strategies
- • Use of adaptive materials
- • Peer interactions and support
Ask Yourself:
- • Would my child thrive here?
- • Are students respected and valued?
- • Is instruction individualized?
- • Are behavioral needs addressed positively?
Physical Environment
Safety & Accessibility:
- • Building accessibility features
- • Emergency procedures posted
- • Secure entry/exit points
- • Age-appropriate equipment
- • Clean, well-maintained facilities
Learning Environment:
- • Quiet spaces for sensory breaks
- • Visual supports and schedules
- • Flexible seating options
- • Technology integration
Essential Questions to Ask
Academic Program Questions
- • What teaching methodologies do you use for students with [specific disability]?
- • How do you individualize instruction to meet diverse learning needs?
- • What is your approach to homework and assessment accommodations?
- • How do you prepare students for standardized testing?
- • What transition services do you provide for post-secondary planning?
- • How do you track and communicate student progress?
Support Services Questions
- • What related services (OT, PT, speech, counseling) are available?
- • How often are these services provided?
- • What behavioral support strategies do you use?
- • How do you handle crisis situations or meltdowns?
- • What assistive technology is available?
- • Do you provide transportation accommodations?
Family Partnership Questions
- • How do you involve families in educational planning?
- • What communication methods do you use with parents?
- • How often are IEP meetings held?
- • What parent education or support groups are available?
- • How do you handle disagreements or concerns?
- • What volunteer opportunities exist for families?
What Schools Don't Tell You: Insider Knowledge
After visiting dozens of schools, here's what experienced parents and education professionals have learned about evaluating special needs programs—insights you won't find in school brochures.
The "5-Minute Rule" for Classroom Observations
What they show you: A perfectly orchestrated 20-minute tour with happy, engaged students.
What you need to see: What happens in the first 5 minutes of an unannounced visit.
What to Look For:
- • Are students actually learning or just doing busy work?
- • How does staff handle unexpected disruptions (like your visit)?
- • Do students seem genuinely comfortable with adults, or are they performing?
- • Is the classroom functional for actual learning or just "display-ready"?
The Real Story on Staff Turnover
What they say: "We maintain a stable, experienced staff."
What to investigate: How long key staff have actually been there and why others left.
Questions That Reveal Truth:
- • "How long has your current special ed director been here?"
- • "What was staff turnover last year, specifically in special education?"
- • "Can I speak with parents whose children have been here 2+ years?"
- • "What professional development do you provide staff?"
Warning Signs:
- • Vague answers about staff tenure
- • New special ed director every few years
- • Can't provide parent references
- • Focus on facilities over staff qualifications