You and your child (at school)

You and Your Child

Information about Special Education in School for Pasifika Families

All children learn

Your child's education is one of the most important things in life.

All children learn, and all children achieve when they are given the opportunities, help, guidance and support they need.

Your role, as a parent, is vital. Every day, in many ways, you help your child learn and develop.

You can also help your child learn and develop by accessing support available from people who work in your child's school.

This pamphlet is about the free support available to your child if they have ill-health, difficulty speaking, listening, seeing, hearing, behaving, moving about, or any combination of these. It lets you know what to do if you have concerns about your child and who to contact for more information.

What is special education?

In New Zealand young children who have ill-health, difficulty speaking, listening, seeing, hearing, behaving, moving about, or any combination of these, may be able to get help through the Ministry of Education's special education staff and services.

What should I do if I'm concerned about my child?

Getting help early is really important, and this is where your role, as a parent, is key.

If you have any concerns at all, ask people who spend time with your child - such as family members - if they too are noticing any difficulties. Talk to your child's classroom or form teacher or their school principal or call the Ministry of Education (go to the bottom of this page for a link to contact details).

Discuss what you're concerned about, you might like to ask: Is my child doing the things they should be doing at their age? What sort of help is available? What sort of things can I do at home to help my child learn?

What are special education needs?

If your child has difficulty speaking, listening, seeing, hearing, behaving or moving about, or any combination of these, they may need special education support from the Ministry of Education.

What support is available?

Many people in the school community provide special education support - more than 46,000 teachers, principals, specialist teachers, health professionals and our specialists.

At school, your primary contacts are your child's classroom or form teacher and principal. It is important that, together, you look at your child's needs and the range of support available to best meet those needs.

Ministry of Education specialists based at offices around the country support children and young people who have the highest need for support.

Our specialists include speech-language therapists, kaitakawaenga (Ma-ori cultural advisors), psychologists, special education advisors, advisors on deaf children, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, early intervention teachers, assistive technology coordinators, district Ma-ori advisors, support workers, team leaders, as well as regional, district and service managers.

We are all responsible for providing culturally-appropriate services to Pasifika children and their families.

Our specialists help coordinate special education services and share skills and expertise by working with families, wha-nau, educators and other specialists to ensure your child receives the best education possible. Our services are free.

Who should I contact for more information?

For more information phone the Ministry of Education, Special Education office nearest you. This pamphlet is also available in Samoan, Cook Island Maori, Tongan, Niuean and Tokelauan.