Enrolling your child in a special school in Victoria involves a multi-step process that includes determining eligibility, gathering necessary documentation, and working closely with the school to ensure your child's needs are met. Here's a detailed guide on how to apply for special schools:
Step 1: Determining Enrolment Eligibility for Specialist Settings
The first step in applying to a specialist school is determining whether your child meets the enrolment criteria based on their disability or special needs.
Eligibility for Intellectual Disabilities
Specialist schools that cater to intellectual disabilities will require:
IQ tests (Intelligence Quotient Test): This measures cognitive abilities.
Nonverbal assessments: Used for children with speech, language, or hearing impairments, or those who are verbally uncommunicative. Tests such as the UNIT-2 (Universal Nonverbal Intelligence Test) or Wechsler Nonverbal Scale of Ability are commonly used.
WPPSI-IV: The Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence – Fourth Edition is used to assess cognitive development in preschoolers. These assessments focus on problem-solving and decision-making skills rather than grade-level knowledge.
Free Cognitive Assessments through Schools
Schools may access free cognitive assessments via Assessments Australia. Applications for Prep entry referrals can be submitted from 1st September. However, not all referrals proceed to assessment if:
The Vineland score (adaptive behavior assessment) is too high.
There is insufficient evidence of intellectual disability.
Assessments include:
UNIT-2 (Universal Nonverbal Intelligence Test – Second Edition)
WPPSI-IV (Wechsler Preschool and Primary Scale of Intelligence – Fourth Edition)
Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
For specialist schools that cater to children with autism, a formal diagnosis is required:
A psychologist's assessment with an Autism Spectrum Disorder diagnosis (using ADOS).
A paediatrician or child psychiatrist’s diagnosis.
Vineland Adaptive Behavior Scale assessment: This must show significant deficits in adaptive behavior, with a composite score of two standard deviations below the mean.
Speech Pathology Assessment: Demonstrating significant language deficits, with scores two standard deviations below the mean.
You can access autism assessments through government-funded teams, private practitioners, or by contacting Amaze Autism Connect at 1300 308 699 or via email at info@autismconnect.org.au.
Blackburn Speech & Paediatric therapy center also provides Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) assessments. Please fill in this form (https://forms.gle/BgWoLTgwLfYNvDU7A).
Step 2: Enrolling Your Child in a Special School
Once you’ve determined that your child is eligible, you’ll need to start the enrolment process. Here’s what to consider:
Choosing the Right School
Visit multiple schools: Attend open days, take school tours, and meet with school principals to understand how each school will meet your child's specific needs.
Gather information: Speak to teachers, therapists, and other parents who have experience with these schools. Ask questions about the school’s size, class sizes, available support programs, and their approach to inclusion and behavior management.
Evaluate the environment: Consider if the school is supportive and whether the school staff is experienced in working with children with disabilities. You want a school that fosters a positive, collaborative relationship.
Key Questions to Ask
How many Prep classes are there, and what is their size?
What support programs and staff-to-student ratios are in place?
How will the school cater to your child's specific learning needs?
Does the school have prior experience with children with similar disabilities?
What inclusion policies are in place, and how will your child be included in school activities like camps and excursions?
Step 3: Pay Costs (if applicable)
If you are applying to a government school:
Contact the school to initiate the enrolment process.
Provide all relevant reports and documentation (cognitive, medical, and specialist assessments).
Attend the Educational Needs Questionnaire meeting or Disability Inclusion Profile meeting to ensure the school understands your child’s needs and can secure funding.
For non-government schools:
The process is similar, but timelines and specific steps may vary, so contact the school directly for details.
Step 4: Understanding Funding for Students with Disabilities
Victorian government schools provide assistance to help students with disabilities or developmental delays through various funding models, including:
Program for Students with Disabilities (PSD) - an old model before 2024
This funding model supports children who meet specific eligibility criteria under one of seven categories, including:
Intellectual disability
Autism Spectrum Disorder
Severe behavior disorders
Severe language difficulties
Visual, physical, or hearing impairments
Eligibility is established through standardised assessments such as:
Speech Pathology assessments
Occupational therapy reports
Cognitive and ASD assessments (ADOS or CARS)
Vineland 3 assessment reports
Disability Inclusion - a new model starting 2024
This funding model is gradually replacing the PSD model. It is structured into three tiers:
Tier 1: Universal funding for all students.
Tier 2: Provides support for more students through adapted teaching and targeted support.
Tier 3: Individual student funding, replacing PSD for students requiring significant adjustments.
Disability Inclusion Profile: The school, in consultation with families, will complete a Disability Inclusion Profile to determine what support your child needs. The profile is based on:
Vineland 3 assessments completed by teachers.
Specialist reports from paediatricians, therapists, or other professionals.
The profile meeting will include an independent facilitator, parents, teachers, and other important figures in your child’s life. This 90-minute meeting allows you to share insights about your child’s learning, social participation, and what has helped them succeed in the past.
Step 5: Plan and Prepare
As you prepare for your child to start school, consider sharing valuable information with the school, such as:
Your child’s strengths, interests, and anxieties.
Any medical background or emergency plans.
Daily self-care tips, triggers for stress, and how the school can promote independence.
Make sure the school understands how to best support your child, both academically and socially, to ensure a smooth transition.
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