THE AGE Newspaper article of Monday May 29 2006.

Question: I have a child with additional needs who has finally received some funding for a part-time aide at kindergarten. It took lots of effort. Now I am told that for him to have an aide at school I have to apply to a different organisation and go through more red tape. I am also told his current aide is not guaranteed for the school. Is this correct?

Answer:
SUPPORT for families and children with additional needs vary between different sectors. While funding may have been organised for your son at kindergarten, it is usually the case that a new application needs to be made through the school system.

Kindergartens and schools are not managed under the same government department in Victoria, hence many of the organisational issues associated with making the transition from an early childhood program into school require different forms, enrolments, applications etcetera.
It can be tedious, however there are organisations and government supports within the Department of Human Services and the Department of Education.

One of the most important aspects for any child as they begin school is that any information that may help the school organise supports, resources, equipment or the general environment are best communicated by the parent. Never leave these discussions until the start of the school year. Organise to meet the principal when looking at schools and discuss the needs and supports that your child will require in order to make a successful transition into school. Principals can inform you of the requirements, and the support they are able to offer, including how to organise applications for funding for aides/assistants in the classroom. You can also contact the Education Department at any time for details of the processes you will need to go through.

One of the great things about education and schools is that, philosophically, the notion of inclusion and acceptance of diversity is an integral element. Schools recognise that children all bring strengths and needs into the learning environment, and the old days of viewing children with particular additional needs as somehow a "deficit" have long gone. Families can make an informed choice about where they believe their child will have the best opportunity to learn, socialise and interact productively with others.
Choosing a school requires visiting, interviewing principals and gaining a "feel" for the way in which the school embraces diversity.

There is a range of different schools for children in Victoria. Apart from the obvious public or private, there are schools that reflect a broad range of philosophies, teaching and learning approaches.
When choosing a school for a child with an additional need, it is important not only to ensure the school is willing, happy and able to accommodate his or her needs but that the family also feels comfortable with the general philosophy of the school. It isn't always an easy road for a parent when attempting to meet the needs of a child, particularly when additional needs or factors come into play.
But children with a range of needs are fully supported in the school system with regular meetings between parents and staff, as well as ongoing communication, and specific strategies that are put into place and reviewed regularly throughout each year.

The issues of different applications and processes between kindergarten and school are unfortunately just how the system works. If your child is attending school next year, it is important that you have started looking for schools, meeting principals, organised a school tour and the specific applications and processes that will be required. Enrolments for schools for 2007 can already be made.
The most important thing is to always seek support for yourself. Organise for someone to help you with the forms or applications. Don't ever feel that you have to do everything yourself.

Copyright © Kathy Walker 2006

Kathy Walker is an education consultant specialising in early childhood and primary years and a former lecturer at RMIT University.