1. Find Out if the Program is Effective - Quality Programs Have Documented Results
Read research on the program or service. The provider should give you information on effectiveness and references. Newer programs may not have supporting research, but they should build on other research-based practices. If the provider cannot give you this information, consider asking another educator's opinion on the program.
Consider looking elsewhere for services if you cannot get the information you need to properly evaluate the program.
2. Check Credentials, Competence, and Integrity
It is a sad reality that scammers prey on educators, parents and students with disabilities. Beware of:
- Claims that sound too good to be true;
- Reluctance to share information;
- High costs with little detail about the program;
- Pushy, high-pressure sales tactics;
- Fear and intimidation;
- Providers who claim they are the only ones who can teach your child, while not providing evidence of this; and
- Providers who are divisive and cannot seem to work positively with your child's teachers.
3. Get Trusted Educators' and Service Providers' Feedback on the Program
It is always a good idea to seek out opinions of other teachers or service providers (e.g. speech pathologists, occupational therapists, and physical therapists) who know your child before trying a new program or strategy. They can look at the program's components and help you determine if it is a good match for the student's needs.
4. Observe How Your Child Responds to the Program
The student's feelings about the program are important. Consider the time and effort required by the program compared, to the benefits the student experiences. Encourage the student to share how the program is helping or is not helping. Ensure that the provider listens to the student and responds appropriately.
5. Ensure the Program Can Meet Your Child's Individual Needs
Look for flexibility in the program. Is the provider sensitive to the student's unique learning needs and his personal learning style? For example, some programs are very structured. Some are so structured that the exact words a teacher can use during teaching sessions are scripted out. While some students work well with structured programs, others need teachers who can respond to their individual ways of thinking. Ask the provider how she meets individual students' needs.
6. Find Out How and When You Will be Informed of Your Child's Progress
Look for programs that include frequent assessment of progress and provide regular feedback to the student and parent as appropriate. Assessment should include a pre-test to identify the specific skills a student needs to learn.
Continuous measurement of progress should be embedded in the program. This type of assessment measures session-by-session progress in learning new skills.
Regular progress reports should be provided.
7. Find Out if the Program Will Support Your Child's Learning in School
Any program that intends to improve a student's learning should be aligned with the expectations of the student's classroom. Providers should be willing to ensure their tutoring, therapy, or other service includes standards and content the student is expected to learn for progress in school.
Some "alternative" methods are unproven and controversial. Consult with a trusted educator or doctor before using programs that are not part of mainstream educational methods.
8. Learn About the Staff and Their Background, Training, and Experience
Most providers visibly advertise their qualifications to potential clients. If it isn't advertised, ask the provider about his work. What is his background? How many years has he worked with students? Can he provide you with references from other clients? Look for providers that are licensed or certified by appropriate state agencies such as departments of education or boards of medical practice.
