I use lists.
And do a pros and cons.
You can get more than one "peek" if you like.
Also ask for references, surely a parent who is happy with the program would be able to give you a reference.
You get around the confidentiality peice by allowing them to give your name and number to parents.
Heres some basic questions to get you started:
<ul type="square">
[*]How "indididual" is the program?
[*] If your difficult child struggles with levels, will he have reduced standards so his program can be fueled by success or will he be punished into submission at level 1?
[*]How much will the program work with the parent? Will they provide training and support for parents? Will the school "back up" the parent on home issues, or will they take the attitude home is home & school is school?.. will there be an effort to produce an all day/night consistent program?
[*]Transportation?
[*] Recreation?
[*]Daily rigorius physical excersize?
[*] Contact with non-disabled peers? How often/much?
[*] Time out areas? Cells or guided quiet rooms?
[*] How will your difficult child get respite from other difficult child's in full meltdown?
[*] Do they escalete rages or de-escalate?
[/list]
This should get you started, dont be afariad to insepct the entire physical plant.. demand to see all time out areas.
An inspection should be constructed like you are inspecting a day care program for your blind/deaf two year old child.
You would leave nothing to chance.. tell the school you will be spending 4-6 hours at each building. LOL they will love that.
Hope this helps get you started...
*TIP
Have you thought about a 1 on 1 aide instead?
LMK!
Hugs N Love!!!
Jerri
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Founder: PRIE Parents Rights In Education
5 kids,<ul type="square">
[*]21 yo difficult child Rich
[*] 20 yo easy child Joe
[*] 19 yo difficult child Billy
[*] 14 yo easy child Stacie
[*] 11 yo difficult child Matt
[/list]
Perfect husband Tom! /importthreads/images/graemlins/smile.gif
"sometimes all thats left to honor the bond is tears... I cry with honor"
Full time volunteer advocate: " A voice and a pen for the bad kid"
( bad kid defined as ANY child not fitting the cookie cutter mold of todays educational administrators )
Jerri McCarthy
