Observing Classroom--What to look for? | Autism PDD
When I observe a classroom for my son, I look at the teacher's interaction with the students and the students' interactions with each other. I look at the range of functioning and the students' strengths an weaknesses. I know my son well and try to imagine him in that environment. I ask to see some of the students' work (or at least the sort of work that is given to the students) and take a peek at the textbooks and the class rules (usually posted for kids who can read). Mostly, I try to get a gut feeling for whether or not this is a place my son will fit in and do well.
I have not used this list personally, but it looks like it has some good ideas. One thought that was suggested to me was, while you are observing the class, if you do not want to be distracted ask that no one talk to you to avoid disturbing the class.
Here's the check list:
Its from the Autism Project PTA look for family resources towards the very bottom of the page is a Classroom Observation form and an Excell spread sheet.
We are going to observe dd's proposed placement tues or weds. This is not
an autism class, so it's a mixed group (only 4 students at this point, dd will
be 5th), kids w/ various disabilities. What should I be looking for in the
room? Any questions to ask the teacher and/or aides?
Any advice...greatly appreciated!!
Thanks! 
I would have a list of ways to engage your child...things that would make her day better like visuals or verbal prompts or both..to be up front in line~not last..to encourage her to verbalize as much as possible. Try to get teacher to pair her with a child that is reinforcing to her. I had in our IEP to have a teacher in view of her at all times and to hold her hand when going outside...especially during fire drills. I also wanted her to have a child go with her to bathroom..never alone and to have her sit close to teacher and not by the door with too many distractions..Write down whatever motivates your dd and what triggers meltdowns and how you handle them so that they can be consistent..Get the teachers email at school so that you can touch base often and get to know the nurse..they are a great resource for checking in on your dd and good at wiping their noses if yours is like mine and ignores boogies:) See if you can volunteer in the classroom..eat lunch with dd once week so that teachers get to know you and wont let your dd fall through the cracks. I never had an aide in school but paid our ABA therapist to shadow her in kinderkids and they only helped her when needed and prompted her with friends. Hope the teacher communicates regular with you..it makes a huge difference! Best of luck!
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