What is special education?
New Zealand special education provides additional help, specifically developed programmes and extra materials or equipment to support children in learning. The many young people who require special education include those with physical and intellectual disabilities, communication problems, learning difficulties or sensory impairments. Special education means that children of all abilities can access the New Zealand curriculum and participate fully in education. New Zealand schools receive a Special Education Grant (SEG) and are able to call on learning and behaviour resource teachers to support their special education programmes.

How do I know if my child needs special education?
If you are concerned at the level or speed of your child’s development, visit your family doctor or ask your Plunket nurse for advice. If your child is enrolled at a preschool learning centre, check with the centre’s staff to see if they share your concerns. You may notice differences between your own child’s behaviour and ability compared with children of a similar age; while some differences are common, a significant disparity could signal a developmental problem. Sometimes learning difficulties are identified at an early stage, but often a child’s difficulties are only picked up once he or she has started school. Make sure you keep in touch with your child’s teacher to check on the progress of your child as he or she settles into the school environment. If needed, your child’s teacher or the school’s principal will be able to outline the New Zealand special education services or resources available to you.

What kind of special education can a school provide?
Your child’s school should be able to provide special needs education resources, programmes, teachers and equipment. If necessary, schools can use the services of a specialist teacher or arrange for the Ministry of Education’s special education unit to assess a child’s learning needs. This will establish whether the needs of your child are mild, moderate or high. The assessment will determine if a child needs:

• Assistance with learning
• Equipment to help them see or hear
• Equipment to help them move around

This process can involve speech language therapists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists and psychologists. While the assessment may be stressful for your family, you should receive support and understanding from teachers and specialists.

What if my child’s school is difficult to work with?
If you are finding your child’s school uncooperative or difficult to work with, your first approach should be to your child’s teacher and the school’s principal. Outline your concerns and if you are still unable to reach agreement, you may need the services of a special education facilitator. Facilitators offer impartial advice and can help families and schools find a satisfactory resolution. A facilitator also has a good understanding of New Zealand special needs education policies, as outlined by the Ministry of Education. Ten facilitators work throughout New Zealand and can be contacted through your local Ministry of Education, Special Education office.

Special education in New Zealand means that children of all abilities can attend school and learn in a standard educational setting. Through resources, specialist teachers, equipment and one-on-one attention, children with special needs will have those needs met and find success in learning.

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