There are many items that need to be assessed before entering your child into a pre-school setting. Besides the facility, take a look at the teachers and staff.
When searching for the right school program for your autistic child, it is important to assess not only the facility, but probably even more important is to take a look at those individuals that will be directly involved with your child on a daily basis..the staff and teachers.
- What is the ratio of adult to child? The ratio should be no more than 3 children to every teacher or teaching assistant. This is necessary, especially with autistic children because they will need someone who will try and keep them appropriately involved in the classroom and all of its activities.
- Is the staff trained? You can have a great classroom ratio but if you have untrained staff, or staff that is unwillingly to learn and address your particular child's needs then it doesn't matter. If the teachers do not have specific training with autistic children, many are willing to learn.
- Are they accessible? When you are looking for a program for your child, look to see that they are willing and able to talk with you, whether it be in person, by phone or email. It is best to personally pick-up your child and make sure that you have that extra time to see how their day went. Teachers are not always able to talk with you right then, but I often have had some of my best discussions when I went to pick-up my son. One of my son's therapists calls me every Monday to let me know about his progress. She also gives me advice in techniques I can use at home to help him in his progress.
You want to make sure that your child is in a caring, supportive and encouraging environment. You want a program that instead of making your child fit the program, they help the program fit your child and their special needs.
The copyright of the article Autism Education in Autism Research is owned by Tracey Thompson. Permission to republish Autism Education in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.
