Touring a School for a Child with Special Needs

My son, who has autism, is almost 13 years old. That means over the years I have toured many potential schools for him. Most of the time I have walked out of crying. At some I have walked out saying, "OK, I don’t hate it." And at a few, I have walked out of the school saying, "This could work." I always made sure to take really good notes and go in with my list of questions at the ready. That is how I came up with what I feel are the most important things to look for when touring a school for your special needs child. 

1.  Safety

This is definitely a priority to me! Will I feel like he is going to be safe there? How large is the building and what type of security do they have at ALL doors? Is there a security guard on duty at ALL times? Are guests buzzed in and out and is there a written log kept of who enters the building? Are there cameras at ALL doors? These are questions we as parents have every right to have answered. 

2.  The Students

As you tour the classrooms (which you should absolutely be allowed to do), look at the children. Are they engaged in activities? Academics? Is there a social component? What are they doing? Are they working in groups or one-on-one? Do you see children that seem like they may interact with your child on some level? Ask if they have the same classification as your child. You want to make sure a school is not just putting random kids in a classroom together to fill up a room. You want there to be some type of reasoning as to why these children were put together. 

3.  Classrooms and the Facility

How large or small are the classrooms? Will the size work for your child? What is the student-to-adult ratio in the room? Do they have the supplies needed to properly teach? How are the rooms decorated--is there too much or too little stimulation for your child's needs? Will your child be distracted? Since many special needs children have 12-month IEPs (Individualized Education Progreams) you will want to make sure there is air conditioning—and that it works and will be turned on when needed. Are the floors clean? This will be very important if your child puts things in her mouth.