The government has introduced a new initiative aimed at enabling children with special needs, including those with autism and other neurological conditions, to learn alongside their peers in mainstream preschools.
Announcing the programme at a media briefing held today (13) at the Department of Government Information, Minister of Women and Child Affairs Saroja Savithri Paulraj said the government is moving away from the traditional model of providing separate education for children with special needs in favour of a more inclusive approach.
The Minister said the program has already been launched in collaboration with the Department of Social Services to promote inclusive early childhood education.
She stressed that children with special needs require activity-based learning, behavioural support and appropriate medical guidance, while also benefiting from opportunities to learn and interact with other children in a shared educational environment.
As part of the initiative, preschool teachers are being trained to better support and manage children with special needs in the classroom.
Minister Paulraj also noted that several leading private institutions specialising in child development have extended their support to the program.
She further acknowledged that opportunities currently available for children with special needs within the national early childhood education system remain limited and said the government plans to expand preschool education services to better meet their needs in the future.
