You and your child (in early childhood)

You and Your Child

Information about Special Education in Early Childhood 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 early childhood education.

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 family doctor, your Plunket nurse, your Parents as First Teachers visitor, your nearest early childhood education service 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, moving about, or any combination of these, they may need special education support from the Ministry of Education.

What support is available?

The Ministry of Education has a range of qualified, experienced staff who work with young children with special education needs from birth through to the time the child starts school.

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

We are speech-language therapists; early intervention teachers; psychologists; advisors on deaf children; kaitakawaenga, (Māori liaison advisors) and education support workers.

We can work with you and your extended family to support your child in your home, in an early childhood education setting and at school as they settle in. 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 Māori, Tongan, Niuean and Tokelauan.