Choosing a pre-school for a child with additional needs

Starting your child in pre-school is a big step. It can be emotional for the both of you.

Planning ahead and preparation can help make the change easier.

Choosing the right pre-school

When choosing a pre-school, think about how:

• big the pre-school is - smaller groups might be better for your child
• much space it has - bigger spaces are better if your child likes to run around or play outside
• easy it is to get there
• busy the area is
• flexible the curriculum is, so it fits your child’s needs

Try to visit lots of pre-schools. Think about the time that you go there. Afternoon groups might be smaller and quieter than morning ones.

Choosing a pre-school

Preparing for the transition into preschool (video)

Linking with your CDNT

If your child is with a children's disability network team (CDNT), ask them for help.

The CDNT can:

• help you pick the right pre-school
• give support to help meet your child’s needs

Check if the pre-school will work with your CDNT.

Meeting your child's needs

A specialist pre-school may help to meet the additional needs of your child.

Adaptations

Check if the pre-school is open to adaptations, such as:

• introducing ramps
• changing benches
• bathrooms
• other facilities your child may need

Equipment

Ask the pre-school if they can store any equipment your child uses.

If your child receives support from a healthcare professional, they can advise on what equipment your child needs.

Medical needs

Put a written care plan in place if your child has medical needs. Do this before your child starts pre-school.

The plan should include:

• your child's needs
• if staff training is needed - for example, if a child is PEG fed or has epilepsy

Ask the pre-school:

• where your child's medicine will be stored
• how safe and secure the storage area is
• who will give the medicine to your child

Curriculum

Pre-schools use different ways to help children learn and develop.

Some pre-schools:

• follow a particular teaching approach
• make their own activities based on the interests and needs of the children

Ask the pre-school:

• about their curriculum
• how their curriculum supports your child’s learning and development through play

Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme

The Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) scheme provides free care and education for pre-school children.

It is available for 3 hours a day, 5 days a week, 38 weeks of the year.

Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Scheme

Access and Inclusion Model (AIM)

The Access and Inclusion Model (AIM) is a model of supports. It makes sure that children with additional needs can access 2 years of pre-school for free. This is under the ECCE scheme.

There are many levels of support available through AIM.

Your child does not need a diagnosis to get AIM support.

AIM supports - aim.gov.ie