Connecting for Kids - How To: Choosing a School

Home
How To: Choosing a School

Choosing a School for Your child

Choosing the right school for your child can be hard. By thinking about what your child needs and asking the right questions you can feel more confident about your decision.

Questions for Families

Begin by asking yourself some questions about what works for your child and your family. There are different questions you may want to think about depending on whether your child is preschool-aged (3-6) or older.

Families with Preschoolers

Families with Older Children

Questions for Schools

After thinking about what your child needs, it’s time to plan the questions you will ask the schools you’re looking at. Use the sample questions below to get started.

If you need help finding alternate schools, Ask Us! Connecting for Kids Family Resource Specialists (FRS) can help you to look at the different schools in our directory and figure out which ones might work best for your child.

1. What types of students attend this school?

Some schools welcome all students while others have specific student profiles. For example, there are schools that serve students who are gifted, students who are autistic, students who have learning disabilities and so on.

Some schools require your child's home school district to place them or may have specific entrance tests to enroll. These types of requirements help schools to more consistently meet student needs.

2. How big are classes? What is the staff-to-student ratio?

Some students need smaller class sizes or more adult support to learn.

Keep in mind that some schools use different types of staff in teams with students. So while a classroom may have one teacher, there may also be paraprofessionals, behavior technicians or therapists in the classroom.

3. How do families typically pay tuition, fees, etc?

Some schools may accept Ohio scholarships or vouchers. Others (like center-based-education providers), may use a student’s medical insurance to cover therapy costs. It's important to ask whether these funds cover the full cost or if there are co-pays.

Note: Most eSchools provide computers for student use, but it may still be important to ask about internet access, etc.

4. What experience/training do teachers have?

Some schools may have teachers with additional training to support students. Some examples include:

Advanced degrees (masters or doctoral level education)

Intervention specialists

Mild/moderate and moderate/severe disability certifications

Reading certifications (Wilson, Orton-Gillingham, etc.)

In settings where the focus is on behavior/social skills/daily living, experience/training may include:

Registered behavior technicians (RBT)

Intervention specialists

Board certified behavior analyst (BCBA)

Counselors, Social Workers and Psychologists

It can also help to ask about the types of professional development staff receive. Schools that are invested in their staff often have better outcomes for students.

5. How will this school support my child’s IEP/504 plan?

Schools that do not receive federal funding are not required to follow the Individuals with Disabilities in Education Act (IDEA). If your child needs an IEP/504 plan, it is important to ask how accommodations and modifications will be delivered.

Note: When students are placed at a school by their home school district, families may also want to ask how IEP meetings and reporting are handled.

If you're just getting started with special education, the Understanding Special Education guide can help. It will tell you more about the process and how to find help.

6. What related services are available?

Families whose children use related services should ask if they are available at a new school. Examples of some related services include:

Speech therapy
Occupational therapy
Physical therapy
Adapted physical education
Reading intervention
Behavior support
School counseling services
Nursing support

7. How does this school handle behavior problems?

Schools have different ways of handling discipline. It is important to understand the school's policies and whether they will work for your child.

8. How are students re-integrated with public schools?

Some schools (like center-based programs) are used as short-term solutions to work on student behavior or life skills. When goals are met, these students return to their home school districts. Families who are looking at this type of placement can ask:

How long students typically stay at a center
What supports are provided to transition the student back to the home district

9. Is transportation included?

Some schools include transportation with the cost of tuition. Others may have arrangements with neighboring public schools to bus students.

When transportation is not included, it may help to ask how other families transport their children.

Keep in mind that not all IEP students receive transportation. It's important to check your child's IEP so you know whether transportation has been included.

10. Can we tour the school?

Most schools offer open-houses or other opportunities for families and new students to see the school.

TIP: It's a good idea to tour the school for the first time without your child so that you can pay attention. If you like the school, you can make arrangements to return with your child for another visit.

Website supported by a grant from Parker.

Call, text or email:

Phone: 1-440-570-5908
Email: info@connectingforkids.org

Post Office Box:

30628 Detroit Rd. #252
Westlake, Ohio 44145