School is a big part of life for kids and young people. You'll want to find one where your child can flourish and be happy. Here are some tips for choosing a school that's a good fit for your child and family.
What types of school could my child go to?
- Mainstream school: a typical local primary or high school, with extra support arranged if needed (e.g. a visiting teacher of the deaf).
- Mainstream school with a specialist unit: a classroom adapted for teaching deaf and hard of hearing children, alongside some mainstream classes.
- Schools for children who are deaf or hard of hearing: a bilingual-bicultural approach, usually learning Auslan as a first language and English as a second.
- Specialist schools: for children who are deaf and have a disability or other educational needs.
Choosing a school
Start by listing possible schools in your area, then arrange a visit. Questions to consider include:
- Do we feel welcome at the school?
- Is their teaching program suited to my child's age and ability level?
- What support options and/or equipment are available?
- What's their approach to teaching children who are deaf or hard of hearing?
- Will my child have access to visiting professionals such as speech-language pathologists?
Choosing a school doesn't lock you in for life, if things don't work out, you can always find another one.
Transitioning to school
Successful school transition involves thoughtful planning, preparation and communication. Visit the school beforehand, talk to your child about what to expect, and focus on the positives, like meeting new people and choosing interesting subjects.
Handy hints
- Be a great role model, a positive attitude helps your child feel confident about school.
- Encourage your child to find their passions and like-minded friends through hobbies and activities outside of school.
- Talk to other families at the school you're considering and ask what they like and dislike about it.
- At the start of each school year, meet with your child's school to craft a plan to meet their needs.
