Finding the right fit when it comes to childcare, preschool, or therapy is so important, and can be difficult to navigate. Rachel Smith joins me today to cover the top 5 questions from our community about this topic.
There are a variety of options for programs and placements such as daycares, preschools, special education centers, typical schools, homeschooling, nannies, etc. First and foremost it comes down to what’s best for your family. How old is your child? What is available to them regarding age and diagnosis? What kind of time and financial resources do you have available? Do you have the desire and willingness to provide an at-home program? Or do you work all day and need a consistent safe place for your child to go? These are a variety of questions to ask yourself, and then it comes down to researching and interviewing those programs to find the right fit.
Positivity. That’s always the number one thing to look for. Are the students and teachers happy and positive? Because if they are not, it’s not the right fit no matter what kind of resources they have available. Additionally look for communication, collaboration, and willingness to create the right environment for your child. The goal is for your child to be happy, healthy, and safe.
We’ve talked about the skills needed for school a bit on the show before and the key thing to remember is a child who is not communicating, socializing, and following directions at home is not suddenly going to pick that up by throwing them into a school with a bunch of other kids. My recommendation is to take an assessment, my free online assessment is still available. And figure out what skills your child may have weaknesses with and work with the school to provide the right support. And take my courses, get to work when you’re at home, and build up those skills that can support them in a placement setting.
If your child has an IEP and problem behaviors are emerging at school, don’t wait…call a meeting. Reach out to an advocate and get help making the necessary changes to provide support and eliminate those behaviors. Additionally, get it in writing. When there is a behavior report, a meeting, or a support change, get it in writing or in a digital email exchange so you have documentation to back it up when you’re looking for an FBA and a VB-MAPP from a BCBA.
