Satisfaction and desire for change in educational placement for children with Down syndrome - Perceptions of parents

This study surveyed 291 parents of children with Down syndrome about their satisfaction with their child's current educational program, as well as the ir desire and reasons for considering change. Perceptions were compared acr oss age, current educational placement, ethnicity, and mother's educational level. Parents of younger children, children currently enrolled in both ea rly intervention and general education, and mothers with an education beyon d a bachelor's degree were more satisfied with their children's current pro grams. Parents of children in general education were least likely to want a program change. Wanting change centered on seven themes: the approach of a school transition point, the desire for greater inclusion, placement in a neighborhood school, the need for additional services and support, influenc es of peers, parents' financial resources, and ongoing information acquisit ion/decision-making issues.