Classroom Visitation Checklist - Autism Spectrum Disorders

By Bonnie Sayers

The best time to visit a potential classroom for your child on the Autism Spectrum is when school is in session. This should be done several months before school gets out so you can find a suitable placement for your child in the next school year.

Bring along a notebook and pen to write down observations and answers to questions asked while on the tour.

When observing the classroom, I always take note of the visual supports or lack thereof I find on the walls. Look around and see if there is a classroom schedule for the children to know what takes place throughout the day. Count how many children are in the class and the number of adults. A staff member should be able to give you an official tally of the number of students, classroom aides and paraprofessionals assigned to specific students.

Here are the questions I ask when visiting a potential classroom for my child:

Teacher – background, number of years at school and experience

Therapists – names, days/times for sessions, pull-out or in class

Assembly – what day and time, where is it located

Nurse – where is it located, toilet facilities, hours on site

Library – where is it located, how often, long, day & time

Science Lab – is there one on campus, how often

Music – where is the room, what day and time, other classes

Art – is this in class or elsewhere

Recess – what time does this take place, which playground

Lunch – what time, where do they sit, how long does it last

Schedule – write down the whole day lineup

Field trips – ask how often, example of where they go

Bus – where does the bus drop off kids, who is there to pick up

I ask if there are microwaves and refrigerators. This helps in knowing what can be brought to school for lunch and made ahead of time. Where are the bathrooms closest to the classroom? When is winter recess and spring break? Is summer school offered at this campus? Obtain a school map while visiting the grounds.

If your child uses adaptive equipment or picture cards, ask if they have supplies in the classroom. Ask if there is a psychologist on staff and if that person visits the classroom.

I also ask what the discipline policy is, whether they use restraints or have a time-out system. Some schools have visiting dental offices and medical checkups, and I ask about those as well.

It is also good to ask what the school office hours are and the playground hours. Prior to the visit, do an online search for the school and see what the test scores are, ethnicity makeup and teacher to student ratios.

Also ask what the policy at the school is for parents observing the classroom and outside agencies visiting the class for observations and providing other therapies. I asked about parking when bringing my son to school since there were no handicapped spaces on the street. You might also inquire what the policy is for sending children home sick.

The author is BellaOnline's Autism Spectrum Disorders editor and mom of Matthew, who is on the autism spectrum.