New education guides for parents of children with special needs
The National Council for Special Education has launched a series of guides for the parents of children with special needs.
The guidelines focus on milestone moments during education, such as moving from primary to secondary school.
They provide a basis for schools and parents to prepare special needs students better for their education.
CEO of the National Council for Special Education Teresa Griffin said the booklets should be a big help.
"Parents tell us all the time they worry about how to help their child (with special educational needs) prepare and to be successful," she said.
"We are responding to requests from parents who really need information and advice about how to help their children make transitions - this can be an anxious time for both children with special educational needs and their families."
The guides cover transitions between all stages and levels including starting school; the move from primary to post-primary school; moving between mainstream and special school settings and preparation for life after school.
For example, the pamphlet on starting primary school suggests these questions as ones parents might find it useful to consider:
- Will the school have a place for my child?
- How will the school support my child?
- As a parent, how can I help the school to support my child?
- How will my child be included in school/class activities with other children?
- My child requires medication during school hours, how will this be managed?
- What forms of home-school communication will be available?
- Is there a specific person in the school with whom I can raise any difficulties that may arise?
- If needed, will special school transport be available for my child?
The guides can be found here.
