Many parents are concerned about choosing the right school when they have concerns about their child's development and learning.
Some may find it difficult to understand what the difference is between "support class," "day class," "special support school," and other systems with similar names.
In this article, we will discuss each of theDifferences and characteristics of educational support, ,How to chooseThe following is an easy-to-understand summary of the following information from the perspective of a parent or guardian.
◆ What kind of assistance is available in the first place?
Depending on your child's developmental characteristics and support needs, the following three educational support systems may be utilized
- Classroom Instruction (day class)
- Special needs classes (support classes)
- special needs school
Each has a different target child and style of support.
What is a "Tutoring Class"? （What is a day class?)
The class is,While enrolled in regular classesThis is a system in which students receive special support in specialized classrooms for only a portion of their class time.
Eligible Children
- Developmental disabilities (e.g., autism spectrum disorder, ADHD, learning disabilities)
- Sensory organ damage (hearing loss, low vision, etc.)
- Language disorders, emotional difficulties, etc.
feature
- Students belong to a regular class, so they basically learn together with their friends in the same grade.
- Receive individual or small-group assistance several times a week in a separate classroom at a set time
- It is more of a subject study,Support for communication, self-understanding, and life skillsis central
Suitable children
- Can participate in the majority of classes in the regular classroom, but needs partial support
- No major delays in learning, but finds it difficult to interact with others, etc.
What is a special needs class? （What is a special-needs class?)
The support class is,Special classes within the same schoolThis is a system in which small groups of students are taught separately from regular classes in a
Eligible Children
- Intellectual disabilities, emotional disabilities, developmental disabilities, physical disabilities, low vision and hearing loss, etc.
(Children who need more daily support than a day class)
feature
- Homeroom teachers are teachers with expertise in special needs education
- Ability to travel to and from regular classes as needed (exchange and collaborative learning)
- Curriculum that allows students to slowly learn basic academic skills, life aspects, social skills, etc.
Suitable children
- If you need consideration for group living and want to learn under more intensive supervision
- Tend to take longer to learn academic and life skills, etc.
What is a special needs school?
Special needs schools are,Specialized schools established separately from regular schoolsIt is.
The environment is designed so that children with medical care and severe support needs can also learn.
Eligible Children
- Intellectual disabilities, physical disabilities, visual and hearing impairments, multiple disabilities, etc.
- Includes children and students with medical care needs
feature
- School buildings and teaching materials are adapted to the characteristics of disabilities
- Educational content incorporating medical care, rehabilitation, and life support
- After graduation from high school, transition support to employment, welfare services, workshops, etc. is also available.
Suitable children
- If daily assistance is required
- Insufficient support in regular schools, etc.
◆ How do I choose? Key Points of Judgment
When choosing a career path, it is important to consider the following aspects
- How well your child will be able to participate in regular classroom life
- His/her strengths and weaknesses (learning, behavioral, emotional, etc.)
- The extent to which parents are likely to be able to provide support at home
- Is there a support system in place for future career paths (high school, employment, social services, etc.)?
In addition to opinions from schools and experts, you should also value your intuition as a parent and your child's facial expressions and reactions.
Multiple schools and classes, if possible.Tour & ExperienceIt is also a clue to the choice to do so.
Consultation and support system
- Municipal board of education (in charge of special support education)
- Homeroom teachers and special needs coordinators at the schools in which they are enrolled
- Developmental support centers, child development support offices
- Medical facilities (pediatric neurology, child psychiatry, etc.)
Parents should not worry about choosing higher education and career paths alone, but can proceed with peace of mind by cooperating with specialized institutions.
Collaboration with welfare is also an option.
For those who want to consider support not only for education, but also for future "independence" and "social participation",Cooperation with welfare services such as employment support and livelihood trainingis also important.
At [Social Welfare Corporation Kuninkai], based in Numata City, Gunma Prefecture,
We support children with disabilities and their families in anticipating their future.
For example:
- Job support for people with disabilities "Everybody's Job CenterSupport for working after graduation
- Disability Support Center for EveryoneConsultation on: welfare systems and future options
- Group Home VivaVivoHousing Support for Safe and Secure Living in the Community
▶ For more information, click here:Kuninkai Disability Welfare Service
Conclusion: Choices that reflect the child's present and future
Support classes, day classes, special needs schools...
It is not a matter of which is right, but what is important is that your child can grow up in an environment that suits him or her and allows him or her to feel safe.
When in doubt, choose slowly and without haste.
It would be good if we can think about this together with schools and professional organizations, imagining what the child will be like not only now, but also 10 or 20 years from now.
Please feel free to contact us.
Disability Support Center for Everyone
Specialists provide free consultation and service utilization planning regarding welfare of persons with disabilities.
TEL：0278-25-8311
