Written By Sangeeta | Edited By Varsha & Adi | Updated on 2nd August, 2024
Parenting a special child isn’t easy, and finding the right school can be tough. Did you know that 14% of all school kids get special help with learning? If you’re raising a special child, you’ve probably asked yourself, “Should we try an alternative school?” Well, you’re not alone.
In this article, we’ll talk about alternative schools for special kids in simple words. We’ll look at how these schools work, what’s good about them, and what might not be so great. You’ll hear stories from other families who’ve been there. We’ll also give you tips on picking a school and show you how to help your child do well.
We’ll cover everything from special ways of teaching to possible problems. Whether your child has trouble focusing, reading, or talking to others, this guide will help you decide if an alternative school might be a good fit.
So, let’s start this journey together! We’ll use easy words and real examples to help you understand your options. By the end, you’ll have a better idea of what’s best for your special little one. Ready? Let’s dive in and learn all about alternative schools for special kids!
Quick Summary
Alternative Schools for Special Kids: Pros & Cons
- What Are Alternative Schools for Special Kids?
- Benefits of Alternative Schools for Special Children
- Potential Drawbacks and Challenges
- Success Stories: When Alternative Schools Shine
- Choosing the Right Alternative School
- The Role of Parents in Alternative Education
- Alternative Schools vs. Inclusive Education
Conclusion
FAQs
Our Selection Process
What Are Alternative Schools for Special Kids?
What Are Alternative Schools for Special Kids?
Alternative schools for special kids are schools that teach in ways that are different from regular schools. These schools are made to help children who might have trouble learning in normal classrooms. They can be good for kids with special needs, like those who have trouble paying attention, reading, or talking to others.
In India, we have some great alternative schools. For example, there’s the Smile Foundation in Delhi. They help kids with different learning needs. Another one is Bubbles Centre for Autism in Bangalore. They focus on helping kids with autism.
These schools are different because they don’t teach the same way as other schools. They might have smaller classes, so teachers can spend more time with each kid. They might also use different ways to teach, like using music or art to help kids learn.
Benefits of Alternative Schools for Special Children
Benefits of Alternative Schools for Special Children
Alternative schools can be really good for special kids. Here’s why:
- They teach in ways that work for each kid. If a child learns better by doing things, the school will let them do more hands-on activities.
- Classes are usually smaller. This means teachers can give more attention to each student. It’s like having a teacher just for you!
- They teach things that are important for everyday life. For example, they might teach how to count money or how to talk to people.
- They help kids feel good about themselves. These schools know that every child is special and can do great things.
- They have teachers who know a lot about helping special kids. It’s like having a doctor who knows exactly how to help you feel better.
One mom in Mumbai said, “Her son used to hate school. But since he started at his new alternative school, he’s so happy to go every day!”
Potential Drawbacks and Challenges
Potential Drawbacks and Challenges
While alternative schools can be great, they can also have some problems:
- They might not have as much money as bigger schools. This means they might not have all the same things, like big playgrounds or lots of computers.
- Sometimes, these schools don’t have many kids. This can make it hard for children to make lots of friends.
- Some people worry that these schools might not teach everything that regular schools do. Parents might wonder if their kids will be ready for college or jobs later.
- It can be hard to change to a normal school later. Kids might get used to the special way of learning and find it hard to adjust.
- These schools can be expensive. Not all families can afford to send their kids there.
A dad shared, “They love their son’s alternative school, but sometimes we worry if he’s missing out on things other kids are learning.”
Success Stories: When Alternative Schools Shine
Success Stories: When Alternative Schools Shine
Even with some challenges, many kids do really well in alternative schools. Here are some success stories:
- At Prasad Bidapa’s Design School in Bangalore, a girl with dyslexia learned to read and write much better. She even started her own small business making clothes!
- A boy with autism at Bubbles Centre for Autism learned how to talk to others and make friends. Now he’s happy to go to birthday parties and play with other kids.
- At Riverside School in Ahmedabad, a child who had trouble sitting still in class learned to focus better. He started doing well in his studies and even won a maths contest!
- A group of kids from Akanksha Foundation in Mumbai put on a play for their parents. These were kids who used to be too shy to even speak in class!
These stories show that with the right help, special kids can do amazing things.
Choosing the Right Alternative School
Choosing the Right Alternative School
Picking the right school is really important. Here’s how to do it:
- Look at different schools. Don’t just pick the first one you see.
- Visit the schools. See how the teachers talk to the kids and if the kids look happy.
- Ask questions. Find out how they teach and what they do to help each child.
- Think about what your child needs. If your child needs help with talking, look for a school that’s good at that.
- Check if the school has good teachers who know how to help special kids.
- See if the school teaches things your child will need when they grow up, like how to use computers or how to work with other people.
A mom said, “She visited five schools before she found the right one. It took time, but it was worth it to see her daughter happy and learning.”
The Role of Parents in Alternative Education
The Role of Parents in Alternative Education
Parents are super important in their child’s education, especially in alternative schools. Here’s what parents can do:
- Be patient. Learning takes time, and every child learns at their own speed.she found the right one. It took time, but it was worth it to see her daughter happy and learning.”
- Talk to the teachers often. Ask how your child is doing and how you can help at home.
- Join in school activities. This shows your child that school is important.
- Help with homework. But don’t do it for your child. Just be there to explain things if needed.
- Tell the school if something is not working for your child. They might be able to change things to help.
- Learn about your child’s needs. The more you know, the more you can help.
Alternative Schools vs. Inclusive Education
Alternative Schools vs. Inclusive Education
Some people think all kids should learn together in the same school. This is called inclusive education. Let’s see how it’s different from alternative schools:
| Inclusive Schools | Alternative Schools |
| Inclusive education means all kids, with or without special needs, learn in the same classroom. | Alternative schools are just for kids with special needs. |
| In inclusive schools, teachers have to help all kinds of learners at once. This can be hard. | Alternative schools can focus all their attention on helping special kids. |
| Inclusive schools might be better at teaching kids how to live in a world with all kinds of people. | Alternative schools might be better at giving each child exactly what they need. |
Both ways can be good. It depends on what works best for each child.
A teacher from Pune said, “She has taught in both kinds of schools. They both have good points. The most important thing is that the child is learning and happy.”
Conclusion
Choosing a school for a special child is a big decision. Alternative schools can be really good for many kids. They teach in special ways that help children learn better. But they also have some problems, like maybe not having as much money or as many kids.
The most important thing is to think about what your child needs. Visit different schools, ask lots of questions, and see how your child feels there. Remember, you know your child best!
Whether you choose an alternative school or regular, being involved in your child’s education is super important. Talk to teachers, help with homework, and always encourage your child.
Every child is different, and every child can learn. With the right help, special kids can do amazing things. Keep believing in your child and working to find the best way for them to learn and grow!
FAQs Related to Alternative Schools for Special Kids
- Are alternative schools only for kids with learning problems?
No, alternative schools can be for any child who learns better in different ways. Some are for kids with special needs, but others are for kids who just prefer different ways of learning.
- Will my child be able to go to college after an alternative school?
Yes, many kids from alternative schools go to college. These schools often work hard to make sure kids learn what they need for the future.
- Are alternative schools very expensive?
Some can be, but not all. There are different kinds of alternative schools with different costs. Some even offer help to families who can’t afford the full cost.
- Can my child try an alternative school for a short time to see if it works?
Many schools allow this. It’s called a trial period. You can ask the school if they offer this option when you visit.
What’s Next
We suggest asking yourselves, ‘What do you want for your kid in Bangalore?’ Make a list of the ‘must haves’ and the ‘nice to haves.’
Also, don’t be shy, talk to everyone! Friends and neighbors in Bangalore may have some thoughts. Check online too, but remember, reviews are like opinions, everyone’s got one! Oh, school visits! Take a tour, meet the teachers, ask questions, and see if it clicks in Bangalore. Open houses are super helpful too, you’ll learn about what they teach and meet other parents.
And don’t forget the money talk school fees are just the tip of the iceberg in Bangalore. There are uniforms, field trips, and the occasional surprise costs. Stay on top of the applications, they may be followed by an interview. When it comes to interviews, just being yourself is the key, even for kids.
But really, you can’t go wrong with any of these Bangalore schools, as they are the best in Bangalore. Let us know which one you end up enrolling your kid in!
Varsha & Adi
Hi, we are Varsha and Adi, and we’re on a mission to help parents make the right choice for their kids’ education. Picking a school is like a 10-year commitment, and we realized parents needed clear, no-nonsense info. That’s why we created Candid Schools, where you can get the real deal on schools without the fancy jargon. Our goal is simple: to give parents the info they need to make the best choice for their little ones.
