School Shopping Made Simple(r)

For parents thinking of moving a child to a different school next year, right now is the time to start “shopping” for it. Making a well-informed decision about a school selection is important to the health and welfare of a child. With the plethora of area schools serving the needs of youth with special needs, parents should be informed consumers. This starts with knowing how to negotiate with the public school system if they are expecting to receive a referral to another public school program, charter or a nonpublic placement.

PHILLIPS Programs for Children and Families—which serves hundreds of youth who struggle with academic, emotional or behavioral issues every year through its Special Education Day Schools and community programs—has this advice for becoming a savvy school shopper, including:

Be Educated. There are free resources such as the Parent Training and Information Center (PTI)— www.parentcenterhub.org/find-your-center--where you can find assistance in navigating the process. Understand the law through resources such as www.wrightslaw.com. Also, familiarize yourself with the area organizations that many nonpublic special education schools belong to: · www.vaisef.org – Virginia · www.mansef.org – Maryland · www.dcase.org – DC · www.napsec.org - National

Network. Talk with other families, ask the school for references, read blogs, and visit parent groups. Remember, a school may be great for your child and not another. Don’t base decisions just on another parent’s opinion.

Be Timely. Begin the search early. Many schools have open houses and private tours. Keep track of your thoughts by maintaining a journal; visiting several schools may blur your recollection.

Know Your Child’s Needs. Is your child’s testing up to date? Do you feel the diagnosis and recommendations are appropriate? Ask the Right Questions. Does the school address your child’s specific needs? Do they have a specific curriculum or specific interventions? Is the staff trained in the approaches? Does the physical facility meet your expectations? Is the school convenient or is there transportation or car-pooling? What are the credentials of staff? How does the school communicate with parents? Helping a child find the right school fit can make a significant difference in their future. Give yourself enough time to make a wise decision that works for your family and child. Happy shopping!