Questions for Parents to Ask Schools

Program Interviews Questions

            

1.  Data Inquiry:

 

z    Class and Type of Program

z    Program's Name

z    Duration of Program

z    Address

z    Website Address

z    Methods of Payment

z    Description of Average Student

z    Office Number

z    Who did you speak with?

 

2.  Questions for the Executive:

 

z    Does your program have a membership with NATSAP?

*  What business structure does the program pursue?

z    Is your organization a member of a professional association?

z    As a program, how long have you been recognized under present "School???s Name".

z    Are  you regulated by any organization or state agency? If not, why?

z    What is your main source of funding ?

z    What administrative structure does the program follow?

 

 3. Tour Questions & References:               

 

z    By what criteria is success measured in your program?

z    Will you provide referrals to present parents participating in your program?

z    Do you have any recommendations on accommodations when I visit?

z    Do you have any University studies and/or National surveys that show a success rate?

z    Are parents allowed to tour?

z    If so, what are the step to secure a tour date?

z    Can I speak with past parents and/or graduates of your program?

 

4.  Family Growth Questions:

 

z    Do you offer parent & family workshops or   seminars?

z    What are your guidelines on communicating    with my child?

z    What are your guidelines on visitation?

z    Do students ever come home for visits?

z    If so, how often does this occur?

z     How many days for home visit? How long      are holiday breaks?

 

 

 

5.   Principals, Morals and Ethics Questions:

 

z    What is your viewpoint of change.

z    By what means is CHANGE facilitated?

z    Does your program/school have a religious component? Is it faith-based or more  specifically- "Christ-Centered"?

z    Do  you  use  a  level or phase  system and if  so, how does it work?

z    Is discipline and/or behavior modification practiced within the program? If, so please describe what type and the extent of those practices.

 

 6.  Miscellaneous Questions:

 

z    Do you have any vacancies?

z    Are scholarships and/or other financial aid provided?

z    What is the cancellation policy if my teen can not adjust to the program?

z    What type of tuition payments are accepted?

z    Can a copy of the contract and a Parent handbook be emailed or sent to me?

z    Who does your program suggest as a transportation agency to get my teen  escorted to your program?

z    Can my medical insurance pay for this program?

z    Can you explain the application process?

z    Does your school provide transport or escort services? Can it be included in the overall fee structure?

 

7. Activity Questions:

 

          z    Is participation in physical fitness mandatory?

                z    Is there any form of outside therapy?

                z    What leisure activities do students participate in?

                z    Can students earn privileges to extra activities?

 

8. Questions about Counseling:

                              

z    Are psychological assessments performed upon parents\guardian request?

z    Does your program administer psychiatric medications to students?

z    Is there any Parenting\ Family\Marriage counseling while at the program?

z    Does the program???s cost cover this counseling or is it additional?

z    Do your "Direct-Care" staff have degrees in related subject matter?

z    Whom are your counselor certified or licensed by?

z    Will my teen receive individual counseling and what type?

 

 

9.   Questions for the School:

               

z    What is the structure of your school's program?

z    Will credits earned be transferrable and accredited by a agency?

z    How often are student progress reports sent home?

z    Are certified teachers employed?

z    Are sealed official transcripts provided to parents and/or transferring school?

 

              10.  Questions for Life Skills and Emotional Growth:

z    What curriculum do you use?         

z    Classes are taught by whom?

z    Describe the style of teaching students participate in?

z    How do you facilitate life-skill training and experience? What does it entail?

 

              11.  Student Life Questions:

 

z    Did a Professional Nutritionist prepare a balanced diet for the school's menu?

z    Do students participate in community hours?

z    Will my child participate in maintenance/work details? Please describe?

z    Is there Direct Care Staff on at all times?

z    How is hygiene and sanitation managed at the school/program?

z    Is there a nurse on the premises?

z    How do you handle sick call / request?

z    How is medication documented and administered?

z    Describe the student's room accommodations?

 

These are but a few questions that need to be answered. Feel free to add other concerning questions that may arise. Read over the list several times to adjust to the mindset of an inspector or investigator. Call your local Child & Family Services to ask what would they look for in a program to conclude it is a safe home? Call educational consultants to ask what would they look for in a program to conclude it is an effective program? You will be surprised at the amount of help that is out there if you are willing to do the leg work! Organize your findings and keep it safe & ready for immediate recourse when you know you must act to save your prodigal child.