Ministry of Education Issues Circular on Support for Children and Students with Specific Needs (Non‑Disability)
The Ministry of Education has sent a circular to regional health directorates, regional education delegations, school inspectors, and psychologists concerning the care pathway for children and students with specific needs who do not have a recognized disability.
How the Care Pathway Works
- Screening – Early detection through school health examinations and specialist consultations.
- Exceptional Measures & Pedagogical Adaptations – Tailored interventions to adjust teaching methods and learning environments.
- School Companion Assignment – Allocation of a dedicated school support person for eligible pupils.
Who Is Covered by the Initiative?
The circular lists the following categories as eligible for the program:
- Specific Learning Disorders (e.g., dyslexia, dyscalculia)
- Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) without intellectual disability
- Chronic illnesses that affect a child’s capacity to learn (e.g., asthma, diabetes)
- Attention‑Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), with or without hyperactivity
- Language, speech, and communication disorders
- High‑potential (gifted) students
Objectives
The Ministry states that this initiative aligns with its broader strategy to:
- Enhance teaching and learning processes across the system.
- Strengthen equity and equal opportunity for all students, regardless of background or need.
- Guarantee the right of children with specific needs—especially those without a formal disability status—to receive inclusive education that enables them to acquire core competencies.
Implementation Details
-
Screening & Diagnosis will be carried out through:
- School health examinations
- Consultations in regional rehabilitation units
- Collaboration with health and paramedical professionals, including:
- Specialist physicians
- Psychologists
- Speech‑language therapists (orthophonists)
- Occupational therapists (ergothérapeutes)
- Psychomotricity specialists
-
School Companion (Accompagnateur scolaire)
- The support person will be assigned to students who:
- Exhibit hyperactivity combined with behavioral disorders, or
- Have Autism Spectrum Disorder accompanied by behavioral issues or stereotyped movements linked to the condition.
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