Education Plans
In Ireland, the concept of individual education plans (EPs) for deaf and hard-of-hearing children at mainstream schools is new and not always practised.
These education plans (when used) act as a roadmap for your child’s educational and social development.
If your child is to have an EP after their initial HSE assessment, you need to understand the EP process, and how an EP is developed.
Education plans are drafted with input from parents, the local SENO (Special Needs Assessment Officer), the school and any other professionals required.
Deaf children of pre-school age will benefit from an individual development plan, with input from the visiting teacher service and / or early intervention services.
Where possible, EPs for deaf children should outline:
- the child’s linguistic and communication needs
- their favoured communication method/s
- their potential for using residual hearing
- their academic needs
- their social, emotional and cultural needs
Goals in the EP should be specific, measurable and related to classroom activity and the curriculum to accurately chart your child’s progress.
EPs need to be child-centred and reviewed regularly. If your child receives a cochlear implant, their EP will have to alter to support their changed needs.
Resources:
NCSE Guidelines on the Individual Education Plan Process
Provisions of the EPSEN Act 2004
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