Katherine Zappone (Dublin South West, Independent) | Oireachtas source

I will shortly launch a new access and inclusion model to enable children with disabilities to participate in the ECCE programme. Importantly, it is not based on SNAs but on a system of seven levels of progressive support. This model is tailored to the specific needs of children - moving from universal to targeted - to enable the full inclusion and meaningful participation of children with disabilities in the ECCE model. It was recommended by an expert interdepartmental group and I believe it represents the best way forward.

Some of the main supports offered under this model include: a new higher education programme in inclusion will upskill early years practitioners in inclusive early years care and education - my Department will fund a small capitation increase where service providers employ a graduate from the programme; a dedicated website containing comprehensive information resources for parents and providers; advice and support from a team of 50 experts in early years education for children with disabilities; a scheme for the provision of specialised equipment, appliances and minor building alterations; therapeutic intervention where this is needed to allow a child enrol, and fully participate in, preschool; and additional capitation to enable the preschool leader to buy in additional support or reduce the staff-child ratio where this is critical to ensuring a child’s participation.

The new model focuses on the developmental level of children with disabilities, their functional ability, their strengths and their needs. It will not focus on diagnosis, recognising that many children may not have a formal diagnosis at the time of presenting to preschool.

Service providers and parents will be able to submit applications for supports under the new model this month to allow them to plan for preschool enrolment in September 2016. It will take some time for the model to be fully implemented and working to full capacity. In the meantime, there is a commitment that all supports currently available through the HSE and various agencies will remain in place.

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