How do parents find a school able to meet their child’s special needs? Do they hope their local school fits the bill? Do they move? Do they look into open enrollment? Each of those options can be the right one, depending on circumstances. This list of 10 things to look for in a school for a child with special needs can help parents focus their search.
Ten Traits of an Inclusive School for a Child with Special Needs
Whatever your family’s circumstances, there are some things every parent should consider. The mom of a child with Down syndrome chose to put her house on the market and move to a neighborhood where the school welcomes children with special needs. She shares those ten traits at Bloom, the Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital’s blog.
- The principal must believe in the education of all children.
- The teacher must believe your child can be successful.
- The teaching assistant must execute his/her duties with kindness, compassion, and common-sense.
- The children in the school must have a sense of humanity fostered by their parents.
- Twenty percent of the parents should be willing to be your friends.
- The school should be large enough to allow options for your child.
- The school should appreciate diversity and not try to make everyone the same.
- Live in the neighborhood so you’re seen not just as the parent of the child with special needs, but as the parent who lives down the street.
- Neighborhood demographics matter. Those not in the higher socio-economic groups tend to be less inclusive.
- Choose a school where you can get involved. Your involvement promotes inclusion for your child.
These ten traits of an inclusive school for kids with special needs are discussed in greater detail at the Bloom website.
What’s Your School Experience?
Have you been a school shopper? What was your experience like? What traits mattered to you? What traits would you add to the above list? Leave a comment.
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Well it took about a month, but I finally was able to get the school to approve my speech therapist to come to the school and have sessions with Rose there! Success! It just took a lot of persistence and time on my part.
I had to call the director of Area Education Services, then the Special Ed Director for the district – from those calls I was finally able to get them to concede to the speech as long as it was in addition to the IEP services she receives. Then I had to call the Superintendant of our district to get approval for our speech therapist to be allowed into the school. This took quite a bit of persuasion but fortunately he decided to allow it.
Thanks for the encouragement – Maybe this story will help other parents too! Thanks!
Well it took about a month, but I finally was able to get the school to approve my speech therapist to come to the school and have sessions with Rose there! Success! It just took a lot of persistence and time on my part.
I had to call the director of Area Education Services, then the Special Ed Director for the district – from those calls I was finally able to get them to concede to the speech as long as it was in addition to the IEP services she receives. Then I had to call the Superintendant of our district to get approval for our speech therapist to be allowed into the school. This took quite a bit of persuasion but fortunately he decided to allow it.
Thanks for the encouragement – Maybe this story will help other parents too! Thanks!
Hi Cora,
You are not being an obnoxious parent. You are advocating for consistency for your child. Your first step is to talk to your present S/P to see what she suggests as she believes she can continue to see Rose at school. If what she suggests works, great. If not, get the school’s reasoning on paper and contact Wrights Law, (http://www.wrightslaw.com/) a national organization that leads people through the IEP swamp necessary. Go to their website and search for what you need. If that doesn’t work, contact them (they have a Facebook Page so if all else fails contact them there) and ask them. They are much more versed in this than I am.
Best wishes as you advocate for Rose. Come back and leave a note about how the issue is resolved.
Jolene
Hi Cora,
You are not being an obnoxious parent. You are advocating for consistency for your child. Your first step is to talk to your present S/P to see what she suggests as she believes she can continue to see Rose at school. If what she suggests works, great. If not, get the school’s reasoning on paper and contact Wrights Law, (http://www.wrightslaw.com/) a national organization that leads people through the IEP swamp necessary. Go to their website and search for what you need. If that doesn’t work, contact them (they have a Facebook Page so if all else fails contact them there) and ask them. They are much more versed in this than I am.
Best wishes as you advocate for Rose. Come back and leave a note about how the issue is resolved.
Jolene
Stephanie,
Thanks for sharing your professional expertise. A POV like yours is always appreciated at DifferentDream.com.
Jolene
Stephanie,
Thanks for sharing your professional expertise. A POV like yours is always appreciated at DifferentDream.com.
Jolene
My 3 yr. old daughter Rose is starting preschool in August (in the state of IA). This is our first experiance with a school setting.
Can you provide any insight to this situation: I want for Rose to continue seeing her current speech pathologist at school. The school tells me Rose is not allowed to see my S/P at the school, while S/P tells me yes she is. I tend to agree, as the parent I know what is best for Rose and should be able to do this, but I do understand Rose is entering preschool on an IEP and already recieving services through the school.
I want to be a good advocate but not an obnoxious parent, where do I go from here?
Thanks!
-Cora
My 3 yr. old daughter Rose is starting preschool in August (in the state of IA). This is our first experiance with a school setting.
Can you provide any insight to this situation: I want for Rose to continue seeing her current speech pathologist at school. The school tells me Rose is not allowed to see my S/P at the school, while S/P tells me yes she is. I tend to agree, as the parent I know what is best for Rose and should be able to do this, but I do understand Rose is entering preschool on an IEP and already recieving services through the school.
I want to be a good advocate but not an obnoxious parent, where do I go from here?
Thanks!
-Cora
I have worked in two different elementary schools (as a special education teacher, constantly advocating for my students’ inclusion) and I think you are exactly right on these. The Principal sets the precedents for the actions and attitudes for staff in the school. The culture of the school needs to be empowering, inclusive, and diverse. AND in my experience (at both schools!) #10 is most important!
I have worked in two different elementary schools (as a special education teacher, constantly advocating for my students’ inclusion) and I think you are exactly right on these. The Principal sets the precedents for the actions and attitudes for staff in the school. The culture of the school needs to be empowering, inclusive, and diverse. AND in my experience (at both schools!) #10 is most important!