Starting Your Search on Private Schools for Learning Disabilities? Ask these 5 Questions First

1. Who is eligible for special education?

Children with learning disabilities are considered eligible for special education and related support services when they meet the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA) definition of a “child with a disability” in combination with state and local policies. Before the search begins, review the 13 Conditions Covered Under IDEA which includes:

1. Autism
2. Deafness
3. Deaf-blindness
4. Hearing impairment
5. Intellectual disabilities
6. Multiple disabilities
7. Orthopedic impairment
8. Other health impairment (“Other health impairment” can cover ADHD)
9. Serious emotional disturbance
10. Specific learning disability (Conditions like dyslexia, dysgraphia and dyscalculia would fall under the “specific learning disability” category)
11. Speech or language impairment
12. Traumatic brain injury
13. Visual impairment, including blindness

At Alpha School, we accept children ranging in age from five to twenty-one with various disabilities including those mentioned above. As a top NJ private school for special education, we work directly with each child’s own unique areas of strength and areas that require special attention. We are an exceptional school for exceptional children.

2. What happens if my child qualifies for special education?

If a child qualifies for special education, parents have two choices. A child can receive special education services within a local public school or be moved to a private school for students with disabilities, and receive what’s referred to as “equitable services.” Equitable services are paid for by public funding.

3. Are the private schools for learning disabilities comprehensive?

In your quest to find the best special education school in NJ, make sure the school offers comprehensive programs and provides a safe and nurturing environment for children with a variety of disabilities.At Alpha School, we provide the very best in education, therapeutic and behavioral support for children across many spectrums of disabilities.

4. What kind of support services are offered for children with special needs?

The school should be specific about support services and how teachers and staff will reinforce a child’s academic, social and emotional needs. Find out if guidance counselors, psychologists or other specialists will be available to your child and how they will work together to help your child learn.

In combination with a flexible curriculum, Alpha School offers support services and life skills programs including adaptive physical education, health, art, and music therapy; behavior, crisis intervention and counseling; occupational, physical, speech therapy and nursing; as well as career and job sampling education.

5. What is the school environment?

Finally, before moving forward, parents should be completely comfortable with the school’s approach to discipline and safety, also ensuring the school’s teaching methods will build on your child’s strengths. If possible, visit the school together and ask follow-up questions later about how the child felt regarding the teachers, principal and school.

At Alpha School, we fully support our staff and programs so that students can reach their true and full potential. Whether you live in Ocean, Monmouth, Burlington, Mercer, or surrounding counties, we invite you to visit Alpha School to see first-hand what a welcoming place it is.