When you have a child in a special education program, sometimes online learning is best. This can be for convenience for you or your little one, or due to your child being in therapy outside of school interfering with a traditional school schedule.
While an online special education program can be ideal for your child, it takes work because your little one is not working with teachers and interacting with peers in a face-to-face situation. This can make keeping your child focused and engaged more of a challenge, and can also make it a challenge for you as a parent to stay on task as well.
Luckily, there are many ways you can make the most of an online special education program for your child, and you can even make their learning experience even better than an in-school one. Here are some tips to follow; use the guidance of your child's counselor, therapist, or pediatrician as well.
Set a routine that is similar to your home routine for schooling
Your child likely thrives on routine to help keep them comfortable and away from meltdowns, so stay on a routine for your child's online special education program as much as possible, even if the program lessons can be done at any time. The routine should closely mimic or go hand-in-hand with a home routine to help make transitioning much easier for your special needs child.
If you can, have the schooling done in the same room every day as well. Choose a quiet, favorite area of the home to allow your child to do their studies, and provide them with headphones and other distraction aides to help keep them from being sensory overloaded while they learn.
Engage with your child through touch and sound throughout
Your child with special needs still needs to be fulfilled with sensory input in order to thrive with their online special education program. Try to keep your child engaged by putting them in a weighted vest, playing soft sounds in the background of the classes, and pausing classes periodically to use your fingers to help them count or to sign letters. Check on your child with special needs often as they learn and allow for ample breaks so they can remain engaged and retain more of what they learn.
If at any time your child starts to show signs of a meltdown, discontinue the class and continue again after your child has calmed down. This way, your child will be less likely to associate their special education program with negative input.
For more information on an online special education program for your child, contact a professional near you.
I remember staying at home when I was a young child until I entered kindergarten. However, when I had my first child as a working mother, I realized that it was a good idea to transfer my child from a standard daycare facility to a preschool after I learned how they differ. Preschools typically have teachers trained in early childhood education, while many daycare centers do not. However, I became overwhelmed with all of my local preschool options and had to learn about all of the various types of preschool education offered today before I made my final decision. I was very happy with my choice, because my little one is now thriving in her new preschool. I am now researching elementary school options. I am eager to share what I have learned, and am still learning, about child education with anyone who needs the advice on my new blog!