Make an appointment to visit the child's classroom. Observing the child in the classroom accomplishes two important functions: 1) seeing how the child performs and is progressing in the classroom, and 2) establishing rapport with the teacher.

Visit the child's home or facility if the child does not live with the surrogate parent. This is to learn how the child functions at home.

Talk with professionals who work with the child. They can offer a wealth of information about the child's progress and personality.

Talk to the child if possible. Although a child can provide invaluable personal information and perspectives, some children cannot communicate well.

Complete the "student profile" and jot down any notes that may be important for everyone to know about the child. A surrogate can share such aspects of the child's life as interests, hobbies, relationships to others, behavior at home, and difficulties.

Bring notes on the child's needs, strengths, and realistic expectations of progress for the year.

Write down a list of questions. Before the meeting, the surrogate parent can think of questions of areas of discussion that may be important for coming to a decision about the child's program.