Attention, brave parents of unique kids! Did you know that a whopping 33% of students receiving special education have specific learning disabilities? If you’re on the hunt for the perfect school for your neurodiverse child, we have groundbreaking news for you. Our team of experts has created an easy-to-follow guide that will help you navigate the exciting world of schools for children with learning disabilities, ensuring your kid gets the best possible educational experience.
Table of Contents
Knowing Your Child’s Needs
Step one in finding the perfect school is knowing what your child needs. Not all learning disabilities are the same, so it’s important to know what kind of help your child needs.
Here Are Some Common Learning Disabilities and the Help They Might Need:
- Dyslexia: Trouble with reading and spelling
- Help: Special reading programs that use many senses
- Dyscalculia: Trouble understanding and solving math problems
- Help: Hands-on, visual learning methods
- ADHD: Trouble with focus, acting without thinking, and staying organized
- Help: Ways to behave better and help in the classroom
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD): Trouble with talking to others and understanding social rules
- Help: Learning social skills and having a structured learning space
- Nonverbal Learning Disabilities (NVLD): Trouble with seeing how things fit together and moving their body
- Help: Help from an occupational therapist and learning to understand visual information
Once you’ve identified your child’s specific needs, you can better decide which schools and programs will help them grow and learn. It’s also a good idea to talk with your child’s current teachers, therapists, and doctors. They can give you more information about your child’s needs and what kind of school would be best for them.
Finding the Right School
Now that you know your child’s needs, it’s time to explore schools for kids/children with learning disabilities. Here are some options to think about:
Public Schools with Special Education Programs
- Good things: Easy to find and often free
- Not-so-good things: Might not have many resources and could have big classes
Private Schools for Kids with Learning Disabilities
- Good things: Smaller classes and special programs
- Not-so-good things: Can be costly and might not have many spots open
Charter Schools with Programs for All Kids
- Good things: New teaching methods and kids with different backgrounds
- Not-so-good things: Might not have many resources, and the quality of programs can be different
Online Schools for Kids with Learning Disabilities
- Good things: Can learn at their own pace and have a learning plan just for them
- Not-so-good things: Not much time with other kids, and parents might need to help more
Read More: Best Schools for ADHD
Homeschooling
- Good things: Lessons made just for your child and lots of one-on-one time
- Not-so-good things: Parents need to spend a lot of time and effort teaching
Each type of school has its pros and cons, so it’s essential to think about what would work best for your family. You might want to make a list of what’s most important to you, like class size, cost, or teaching methods. This can help you focus your search and find the best school for your child.
Visiting Schools and What to Look For
Once you have a list of possible schools, it’s time to visit them and see how they work. Use this list to make sure you’re asking the right questions and looking at the important parts of each school:
Classroom Space
- Are the classrooms neat and nice to look at?
- Can you see that the teachers help kids learn in different ways?
How Teachers Teach
- Do teachers use hands-on learning and many senses?
- Are there chances for kids to learn in small groups or one-on-one?
Extra Help
- Are there helpers (like speech or occupational therapists) at the school?
- Do teachers, helpers, and parents work together well?
Time with Friends
- Are there fun activities and clubs for all kids?
- Do kids learn how to make friends and be good friends to others?
Read more: Free Printable Behavior Charts for School
School Community
- Is the school a friendly place for kids/children with learning disabilities?
- Can parents play an active role and work with the school?
When you visit each school, take notes and even snap some photos. This will help you remember what you liked and didn’t like about each place. After your visits, sit down with your child and talk about what they think. Their opinion is important too!
Picking the Best School
After visiting schools and learning about them, it’s time to pick the best one. Remember, no school is perfect, but finding the right one for your child’s needs is very important. Think about these things when choosing a school:
- What your child needs, and if the school can help
- If the school has helped other kids/children with learning disabilities
- The school’s community and how it feels
- If the school has enough resources and helpers
- How the school fits with your family’s life and schedule
And finally, trust your feelings. As a parent, you know your child best. Listen to your heart and pick the school that feels right for your family.
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Great job! You’ve found the best school for your child with learning disabilities. Now, it’s time to celebrate and get ready for the exciting adventure ahead. With the right help and a caring school, your child will learn, grow, and reach their full potential. So, get those backpacks packed and pencils sharpened, and let the fun learning begin!
FAQ’s About Schools For Children With Learning Disabilities
What types of schools are available for children with learning disabilities?
Options include special education schools, integrated public schools with resource programs, and private schools with specialized curriculums.
How do special education schools differ from mainstream schools?
Special education schools have smaller class sizes, specialized instructors, and tailored teaching methods to meet the unique needs of students with learning disabilities.
What services and accommodations do schools for children with learning disabilities provide?
Common services include individualized education plans, assistive technology, specialized therapies, and modified assessments.
How can parents choose the right school for their child's learning needs?
Factors to consider include the child's specific disability, educational approach, available resources, and the school's experience with similar cases.
At what age should parents consider specialized schooling for a child with learning disabilities?
Early intervention is recommended, with many schools accepting students as young as preschool or kindergarten age.
This post was originally published on 04/12/2023. It was updated on 06/24/2023.
Emily is a seasoned blog writer for Goally, leveraging her extensive background in child psychology and special education to provide valuable insights and resources for parents. Her commitment to understanding and addressing the unique needs of these children, combined with her expertise in educational strategies, makes her a credible and empathetic voice for families.
