In a perfect world, all children should live at home with their family, play with the kids in their neighborhood, walk or ride the school bus to a community-based school--after affectionately kissing or hugging their parents goodbye. They should receive adequate classroom services and return home at 3 p.m. or thereabouts. They may even…

Each year, in its Annual Education Issue, "Exceptional Parent" magazine honors the education professionals that readers feel have made a positive difference in the lives of children with special needs at school and other educational environments. These teachers and administrative personnel spend their careers working to enhance the…

Excerpted from the book "You Are Not Alone: Understanding and Dealing with Mental Illness," the article provides suggestions for parents regarding their role as ombudsmen for their emotionally disturbed child and notes advantages of private schools, residential treatment programs, and hospital programs. (IM)

The progress of a developmentally delayed child is described by his mother, covering his infancy, placement in and withdrawal from a residential school, family life, placement in a day school, adolescence, and entry into adulthood. (CB)

Parents considering placing a disabled child in a residential facility should evaluate and choose a school by visiting at both "peak" and "off-peak" hours to learn about the physical surroundings, structured activities, the child-care staff, the teaching staff, the administration, and treatment plans. (CB)