Parent Resource Centre
Practical information for a more confident decision.
These guides help families prepare questions, understand common terms and observe the child’s needs. They do not provide a diagnosis or replace professional advice.
Guide 1
Choosing a learning environment
The right school is not always the one with the longest facility list. Look for a real fit between the child and the daily environment.
- How much support is needed to join a lesson?
- How are instructions presented?
- How are overload, transitions and breaks managed?
- How is progress understood and shared?
- What can the school not provide?
- Can the family access the safeguarding and complaints process?
Guide 2
Preparing for an assessment
Assessment is more useful when a family shares the real picture—not only the best or most difficult day.
- How the child requests and refuses
- Preferred and avoided activities
- Previous school experience
- Sleep, eating and toileting routines
- Early signs of overload
- Strategies that usually help
- Available reports
- Questions for the team
Guide 3
Understanding an IEP without jargon
- Can the goal be observed and measured?
- Why does this goal matter now?
- How much assistance is allowed?
- Where will the skill be practised?
- How will the family know whether the strategy is working?
Current level → meaningful goal → teaching strategy → evidence → review date.
Guide 4
Preparing for the transition to school
- Use a visual calendar or countdown
- Look at photos of the entrance or classroom
- Practise carrying a bag and putting items away
- Use one clear drop-off and collection message
- Build the morning routine gradually
- Share changes that continue at home
Guide 5
Communicating with educators
A clear message gives context, an observation and a useful question. For example: ‘My child has slept late for three nights and seemed more sensitive to sound this morning. If joining the class is difficult today, could you let me know which strategy helped?’
Guide 6
Understanding distress and challenging behaviour
- What happened immediately before it?
- Was a communication need misunderstood?
- Could pain, hunger, fatigue or sensory demand be involved?
- How was the instruction given?
- What helped the child recover?
- What happened afterwards?
Your next step
Use these guides to prepare your questions.
Then visit an open campus and see how the answers are reflected in real routines.