Special needs kids should get support in mainstream schools

Published: Sun 2 Feb 2020, 7:00 PM

Last updated: Sun 2 Feb 2020, 9:20 PM

Learning support assistants can make a difference to the learning process of children who need extra care and attention at schools (Another step towards inclusivity: Dubai's rule on shadow teachers; KT, Feb 1). The latest directive of Knowledge and Human Development Authority (KHDA) should promote inclusiveness in schools and maybe reduce the financial burden of parents who pay for learning support assistant (LSA) in schools and also for therapies after the school hours.
However, I think KHDA needs to monitor how effectively this directive is implemented. My child needs extra support, but I have noticed that fading of support hasn't happened in the past three years and I have been paying monthly for the support fee. I also pay for my child's therapies outside of the school.
I have tried to convince the school to hire a full time LSA who can learn strategies from the therapist and apply it across the board, but no progress has been made so far.
I sometimes get a feeling that the school doesn't want to take onus. They have hired a person, who gets paid every month by the parents. There is no accountability on this front. No assessments or a plan to wean the child off assistants.
I strongly recommend strong monitoring at school.
-Maha, KT website
*It's good. When fees become unaffordable to the parents, the children are deprived of the facilities. These children deserve all support during the schooling years. They are bound to outlive the parents and hence a bigger responsibility for providing for their future needs.
- Ramesh, KT website

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