Children under school age

What can I do if I think my child has a learning difficulty before starting school?

If your child is not yet at school, speak to your doctor, health visitor, social worker or anyone else you think may be able to help. Do not delay. Your childs early years are very important. Asking a professional is the first step to getting specialist advice. Whoever you speak to will be able to put you in touch with your Education and Library Board (Board).

If your child is under school age and a health worker thinks that they may have special educational needs, they must consult you. The health and social services authority must then tell the Board and give you information about any voluntary organisation that may be able to advise you.

What help can my child get before starting school?

Even if your child is not yet at school, your Board will be happy to discuss your childs needs with you and consider what help it might be able to provide.

There are many services that may be able to help you:

• teachers who will visit your home if your child has hearing or sight problems, or learning difficulties; and
• playgroups and opportunity groups that can help your child develop socially and through play.

You may find it helpful to talk to other parents or to a voluntary organisation.

Your Board may be able to help your child from a very early age. Even if your child is under two, you can ask your Board to carry out an assessment.

If your child is over two years of age and seems to have learning difficulties, you can ask your Board to make a statutory assessment of special educational needs. Following any such assessment, the Board will decide whether it is necessary to make a statement of your childs special educational needs.