Research and Networking: Finding school information

Finding information about a school, its district boundaries and overall scores can be as easy as an internet search. Many school districts have their own web sites with helpful information. The ones I’ve looked at link to individual school sites as well. There was a multitude of information on school rules, dress code policy, bell schedules, after school clubs and extracurricular activities.

What there wasn’t much of was information on special education services. Of all the schools and districts I researched, only one listed its pride in meeting the needs of special kids and being pro-active on their behalf.

I felt it was a start.

Where we were moving had several distinct school districts. At the time I was trying to find information on services and support offered for kids with high-functioning autism in each district. Their web sites didn't host information that specific.

All the word-of-mouth information I was getting wasn’t comforting. The area we were moving to wasn’t very experienced with kids like Jay. So to find a district that bragged about being the best special education school district in the area gave me hope.

I naively surfed the schools' web sites expecting to find more information on special education. I didn't find what I was looking for. However, what I did find -- and it was of great value -- were staff names, titles and contact information.

So you're next step, after ditching the guilt and fear, is to research the schools districts and schools in the area. Check their web sites for information on their special education programs. While you're there jot down the names and numbers of the special education staff.

Good folks to contact are the special education director, an ombudsman and/or a district specialist. (For example: I have the contact information for the district autism specialist.) Next give them a call and tell them about your child.

Find out from them what services they offer and what you can expect. Try to get a gut feeling for the folks who might be on your child’s student team.

Chances are you’ll get some polite, formal information about what they offer. Maybe you’ll get more. Either way, its information you didn’t have before. Also, don’t hang up without asking if they know about any other services or support groups in the area. If they do, write down that contact information as well.

Check the 'Special Education' category for related posts.