Families sometime seek a private school for their child with special needs. They may be seeking an inclusive environment, or plan to educate the child in the same school as older brothers and sisters. Some private schools offer summer programs in addition to or that are included in the regular school year. Larger communities may offer programs that are associated with churches or are otherwise culturally appropriate for particular neighborhood groups, or feature staff who are multilingual as well as multicultural.
Some private school curriculum is based on Montessori methods or Waldorf education. Others may offer better schoolwide accommodations for hearing impairment, neurological or developmental disability, or chronic health conditions. Some private schools have accredited programs for Applied Behavioral Analysis (ABA), or total communication.
Parents who would otherwise homeschool their children may find a private school in their area that features specific curriculum, class size, staff or philosophy that is a better fit for their families. Some private schools have been started by family members concerned with restricted options for a child with special needs. Many private schools provide partial scholarships for neighborhood children, offer reduced rates for the second or third child in a family, and may offer discounts to members of affiliated congregations and their own staff members' families.
If you are considering private schooling, the National Association for the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) is an excellent resource to find quality programs throughout the United States. If your child is already enrolled in a private school, the NAEYC offers support, training, and has criteria for accreditation that will ensure better quality opportunities for children, staff and families.
Browse at your local bookstore, public library or online retailer for items like How To Raise An Amazing Child the Montessori Way,
Montessori: The Science Behind the Genius
or the Montessori Sorting Box
for great ideas about encouraging children as they learn and grow. Early Childhood Education and NAEYC
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art53251.asp
Montessori
Benefits to Students with Down Syndrome in the Inclusion Classroom
http://www.riverbendDS.org/bosworth.html
Salt Lake Tribune
Renewed approach to test the 'magic of Montessori'
Mom's trials educating daughter with Down syndrome led to
creation of new school - The Elizabeth Academy
Preschool and the Child with Down Syndrome
http://www.riverbendDS.org/gibson.html
University of Kansas Circle of Inclusion Project
Inclusion Within the Context of a Montessori Classroom
http://www.circleofinclusion.org/english/demo/lawrenceraintree/overview/mont.html
National Autistic Society
The Autistic Spectrum - Autism, Asperger syndrome (AS) and Semantic Pragmatic Disorder (SPD) - a practical Montessori response by Wendy Fidler
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=364&a=8019
Working with autistic children in prepared Montessori learning environments
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=364&a=8019
Semantic Pragmatic Disorder
Children with SPD respond well in Montessori learning environments
http://www.nas.org.uk/nas/jsp/polopoly.jsp?d=364&a=8019
Typical Private Schools and Autistic Learners
http://autism.about.com/od/schoolandsummer/a/edoptionshub_4.htm
Waldorf Education
Resources on Waldorf Education
http://www.waldorfanswers.org/Resources.htm
Frequently Asked Questions about Waldorf Education
http://www.awsna.org/awsna-faq.html#camphill
Camphill Association of North America
Waldorf Schools for Children with Developmental Disabilities
http://www.camphill.org/
Parentally-Placed Private School Children
Ages 3-5 (Section 300.132) IDEA 2004
Down Syndrome Association of the Low Country
http://www.dsalowcountry.org/Advocacy.html
Down Syndrome Association of Greater Cincinnati - Education Resources
http://www.dsagc.com/links_list.asp?linktype=Resources
Homeschool Considered Private School in Some States (Illinois)
http://www.riverbendDS.org/homeschooling.html
Deaf Education Information from the Clerc Center
Gallaudet University
http://clerccenter.gallaudet.edu
Alone in the Mainstream - A Deaf Woman Remembers Public School (review)
http://deafness.about.com/od/historicprogress/fr/alonemainstream.htm
Children with Diabetes
Children with Diabetes at School
http://www.childrenwithdiabetes.com/survey/d_0h_131.htm
Information on Diabetes for Classmates
http://www.childrenwithdiabetes.com/d_0q_421.htm
Children with Diabetes and Behavior at School
http://www.childrenwithdiabetes.com/dteam/index_behavior.htm
Private vs Public School Archives - Children with Diabetes Forums
forums.childrenwithdiabetes.com/.com/
Protect Your Child at School - Diabetes Health
What if my child goes to private school?
www.diabeteshealth.com/read/2003/07/01/4017.html
Barbara Davis Center -
Online Books and Teaching Slides
http://www.barbaradaviscenter.org/
Special Needs Schools Online
http://privateschool.about.com/od/schoolsneeds/Special_Needs_Schools_Online.htm
Advanced Education Services
http://www.aes-schools.org/
Special Alternative Ed, Nonpublic schools, charter schools, consulting services
http://www.aes-schools.org/special.html
Alternatives Unlimited
http://www.alternativesunlimited.com/
Alternative Learning Academy -- Standard
Alternative Transition Centers -- Suspension/Expulsion
Drop Back In -- Attainment of High School Diploma vs. GED
Therapeutic Day School -- Special Education Programs -- Focus on Behavior Disorders
Alternatives Unlimited Tutoring -- Nationwide Free Tutoring Services
Exceptional Services of America
http://www.esa-education.com/
Schools across the country
ESA Exceptional Schools
Ombudsmen Off-Campus
College Living Experience
Spectrum Center
http://www.esa-education.com/schools
PACER Center - Parentally-Placed Private School Children with Disabilities
http://www.fape.org/
Friendship and Inclusion for Children with Special Needs
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art48700.asp
