The search to find special education top schools for your child may feel overwhelming, especially if this is your first time. Knowing what to look for can help ease the stress during in the search process, and even speed things along.
It is clear that priorities will be different for each parent depending on their child’s disability, unique needs, personality and strengths. But to help parents get started, here’s our top seven qualities to look for in your search for special education top schools.
The Top Seven Qualities of Special Education Top Schools
1. The schools embrace student differences as part of their school culture.
Embracing a warm, caring, nurturing environment, top special education schools don’t just provide expertise in education, but also therapeutic services to address each child’s own unique areas of strength and those that require special attention.
2. The special education program philosophy is designed to help each child reach his or her full potential.
Guided by certified teachers and assisted by trained paraprofessionals, special education top schools provide small group and individual instruction in a multi-sensory approach. Programs include academics, life-skills, technology programs and support services, such as physical therapy, speech therapy and behavioral support.
3. The special education schools have multi-tiered systems of support to layer interventions.
At RKS, each of our schools offer a twelve month program that includes a wide range of services including speech, occupational, and physical therapy.
4. Top schools have community partnerships.
Partnering with community businesses, students are actively engaged in off-site experiences to foster a greater level of independence within their communities.
5. The schools communicate clearly with family and guardians.
While students are enrolled in a special education school, communication is open and transparent. Through various methods such as a communication book, email and apps, teachers can inform parents of important reminders and parents can also discuss anything they want to convey.
6. Top special education schools provide students and staff with a creative atmosphere.
Schools should offer a complete level of both therapeutic and real-world experiences to help students and staff maximize their potential.
7. Top special education schools have customized, staff-driven professional development.
With quality staff who go above and beyond, special education top schools, like RKS, are able to provide a level of consistency and continuity second to none.
RKS Special Education Top Schools: The Alpha School
As part of the family of RKS Associates Network of Special Education Top Schools in New Jersey, the mission at the Alpha School is to help each child become as independent as possible, helping them get ready for a thriving future.
Located in Jackson, NJ, we serve students throughout Central and Southern New Jersey, our range of programs address autism, behavioral, speech, life skills and transition needs. 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 we are.
About RKS Associates Special Needs Schools in NJ
Since 1980, RKS Associates has been a leader in providing the needs of special education students and helping children grow to their fullest potential. Each of our schools seeks to empower each student with skills for life, work, and recreation; we believe that every individual possesses the dignity and potential to contribute to a better world.
Our Mission at The Alpha School:
We are a special needs school in Ocean County, New Jersey dedicated to helping students with learning, social, language, and behavioral challenges and dedicated to providing a safe and nurturing educational environment for our students.
Monica DeTuro, Principal-Alpha School, Jackson, NJ