Obtain application forms from the school(s) you are considering (often available on their web site). These may include teacher information inquiry forms that will greatly facilitate the process.
The biggest mistake that families make in going overseas with their child with special needs, is to hide the situation from the school because they fear their child will not be admitted.
Some parents hope that, once they have made the move, the school will take pity and admit a child they might otherwise have turned down. The usual excuse given for less than total honesty is that the "records are delayed in the mail," or "are packed with household goods that aren't here yet." Such statements are unwise even if slightly true. The records should have been sent with the application. (If you have any doubt about whether they were received, bring copies in your personal luggage.) In these days of telecommunications, all it takes is an inquiry from the new school director to the old one to obtain records and recommendations - and hidden information - almost instantaneously.
Occasionally, especially for children who have behavior problems, parents truly hope that in a new setting, the problems will disappear. They seldom do. Indeed, the move may temporarily exacerbate the behavior. If teachers are forewarned, however, they can help a troubled child make a good transition much more effectively than if they have to figure out everything from scratch.
When parents are less than up-front, schools are placed in a very difficult situation. They sincerely want to help families and children, and often are able to do so. With enough notice, they can sometimes prepare to serve a child who needs considerable extra assistance. But creating a positive environment for a special needs child requires an ongoing, active, working partnership between school and parents, and initial - even na�ve - deception on the part of parents will not start the partnership off well.
