Types Of Schools And Classes

Disclaimer: This information sheet is for education purposes only. Please consult with your doctor or other health professional to make sure this information is right for your child.

Following an acquired brain injury, a student can be enrolled in regular classes with additional support (refer to Fact Sheet: Support At School: Accessing Funding), in a support class in a regular school or in a special school.

Enrolment will be dependent upon a number of factors:

• The learning support needs of the student.
• The parent's wishes.
• The capacity of the Department of Education and Training to provide the level of support services required by your child.

Whenever possible, children return to their own school. If your child is unable to return to mainstream schooling due to the extra assistance that they require, alternative placement may be found at one of the following.

Types of Support Classes In Regular Schools

Support Class: Early Intervention (EI)

An early intervention class develops, implements and monitors educational programs and prepares children for the transition to school.

Children below school age, who have been identified with particular learning needs may be considered for placement in an Early Intervention Class. In most cases children attend EI classes on a part time basis and may also be attending regular preschool with support. Children are eligible for enrolment from 4 yrs of age if they have not been able to access an early intervention program.

IM Support Class: Mild Intellectual Disablity (from age 8yrs)

IO Support Class: Moderate Intellecutal Disability

IO/IS Support Class: Moderate/Severe intellectual disability)

Support classes provide individual programs within a regular school setting. If appropriate, the student is integrated in to other classes within the regular school. The maximum number of children in an IM Class = 18, in an IO Class = 9 and in an IO/IS Class =6).

Support Class: Physical Disability (P)

To be eligible for a Physical Disability Support Class students must have a significant physical disability and/or significant health impairment that requires regular support from allied health personnel. Physical Disability Support Classes are located in regular primary and secondary schools. There is a maximum of 10 students in each class.

Support Class: Emotional Disturbance (ED)

Emotional Disturbance Support Classes provide individualised educational and behaviour management programs with a regular school or special setting school setting. A thorough assessment will be required from a specialist medical practitioner or a registered psychologist with appropriate expertise that describes the behavioural difficulties.

Special Schools - SSPs

Special Schools provide students with individualised programs similar to those offered in support classes in regular schools. However students enrolled at SSP Schools will have more than one disability and require an intensive level of support. Students can be enrolled from 4 years of age.

All applications for enrolment at special schools and support classes will be considered by the District Placement Panel at the local Department of Education and Training Office.

Reference: Who's Going to Teach my Child? Department of Education and Training

Rehabilitation Department The Children's Hospital at Westmead Cnr Hawkesbury Rd & Hainsworth St, Westmead Locked Bag 4001, Westmead, 2145 Tel: (02) 9845 2132 - Fax: (02) 9845 0685 http://www.chw.edu.au/rehabilitation/