Steps for parents/caregivers to follow when wanting to admit a learner:

1.      You want your child or a child who is in your care to attend the ECD centre or school in the area where you live but you are concerned that he/she may not cope or that he/she will not feel welcome. This could be for any of the following reasons:

• Your child has a disability
• Your child has developed slower than the other children
• Your child is different in some way
•  You have moved around a lot and now your child has missed school and cannot keep up with the work.
• Your child is often ill. 

2.      You should contact the principal of the school or centre to discuss how the school can support him/her from the start. See what can be expected of the school in the Guidelines for Full-Service / Inclusive Schools

3.      Schools are required to have school-based support teams who will hold discussions with you on what your child’s strengths are and in what areas he/she needs support. They will complete a Support Needs Assessment Form for your child and give you the opportunity to say what you would like to happen.

4.      This team will then discuss with the teacher how your child can be supported in the classroom. The support could include talking to the other learners about giving support and making your child feel welcome, adaptation of the lessons, the learning materials or the time given to reach certain outcomes.

5.      If the school needs further assistance in the form of additional equipment, training or guidance, they can contact the team in the district that is responsible for coordinating and managing inclusive education. The team is called the District Based Support Team (DBST).

6.      If you are not able to get assistance and support from the school that you have approached, you may contact the office of the District Director who would refer you to the correct person in the district office to facilitate the admission of your learner to a school where he/she can receive appropriate support. Contact details of District Directors can be found on the Register of District Directors.