First SPED School of Baby Rian: speech delay and hyperactive behavior

Journal Date: May 2010
Baby Rian's age: 2 years and 3 month old

As the parent of a child with speech delay and hyperactive behavior we are very eager to enroll her in SPED.
We have high hopes that SPED will improve my daughters condition.
Last May 2010, we have enrolled Rian in a SPED called Child's Nook located in Tanauan, Batangas.



Below was her schedule and fees:

Tuition fee: 6,500 pesos per month
Schedule:   8:00 to 10:00 AM
Teacher:    Occupational Therapist
Mode of Teaching: One is to One

What the room looks like? 

Square shape:  no cubicle
Ventilation: With Aircon
Student per hour: 3 students with 3 Teachers



Observations:

1.) Since there is no cubicle, easily distracted children cannot focus on their lesson
2.) There is no Aid to assist the children. When Rian pooped, they waited for my yaya to arrived.
3.) There is no spare teacher, thus when one is absent 2 children share 1 teacher. Mostly students with 1 hours session is prioritize over the child with 2 hours session.
4.) No lecture/orientation on how to continue activity at home
5.) No Target set (short term or long term) so you don't know what to expect as a parent
6.) No SPED teacher only OT
7.) With Monthly child assessment


Recommendation:

Child's Nook is cheaper as compared to other SPED school. If your short on a budget, you may try this school then request from the head below most important things:

1.) Assessment of your child upon entry in their school. They usually ask for 2 weeks observation before they give the report

2.) Short and long term plan. Target for your child should be clear so that parent would know what to expect.
     Short term : 3 months plan
     Long term : 1 year plan

3.) Orientation for yaya or parent so that you may know how to continue her activities at home.
     This should be done every week. The yaya should be allowed to go inside the room to observe so she  can   see how to conduct the activity.
 
I believe that as a parent,SPED must make what they can do for your children so that it won't result to frustration. We are paying high tuition fee so we must get back the value of our money. For instance, for Rian's case she is hyperactive and speech delayed. What is the priority of the school? or what should be treated first?

With our experience with this school I have become more cautious in choosing a school for my child.