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How to know if your child needs learning support#
If you have concerns about your child's learning, communication or behaviour, it can help to talk to someone knowledgeable who also knows your mokopuna | child.
You can start by talking to your child's teacher or your doctor. They may be able to help you with strategies you can try at home to support your child. They can also let you know if more support is needed and help with next steps you may need to take.
How learning support teams work with schools and kura#
In many cases, children's needs can be met by their school or kura. We aim to support schools and kura to meet the needs of all tamariki | children. Often, we provide resources for teachers to use. Learning support teams also work directly with teachers to help them meet children's needs.
If your tamaiti | child needs more tailored support, specialist help may be provided to support your child's teacher. They may also work directly with your child.
Who will be involved when extra support is needed#
Specialists work in collaborative teams. Any specialists who work with your child and their teachers will be able to use a wide range of resources and expertise. The team could include:
- early intervention teachers (EITs)
- teacher aides
- learning support coordinators
- Resource Teachers: Learning and Behaviour (RTLB)
- speech-language therapists
- psychologists
- physiotherapists
- occupational therapists
- advisers on Deaf children
- Kaitakawaenga | Māori cultural advisors.
Early Intervention Teachers (EITs)#
EITs are specialist teachers who support children who have a range of developmental delays or disabilities.
They work directly with young children, their whānau | families and educators in both early learning settings and school (up to the end of Year 1). They aim to understand, plan for and respond to additional learning needs, removing barriers to participation and progress in the crucial early years.
Learning support coordinators (LSCs)#
LSCs are experienced teachers who:
- support your child to get the right help earlier
- make it easier for families to understand and access learning support at school
- better support teachers to meet diverse learning needs.
By 2028, all schools and kura with Years 1 to 8 students will have access to an in-school LSC. This will improve access to learning support.
Learning support coordinator increase
Resource Teachers: Learning and Behaviour (RTLB)#
Schools also have access to the RTLB service. RTLB are specialist kaiako or teachers who each work across several schools and kura. They may work with groups of teachers, with school leaders, or directly with students from Year 2, to support learning and behaviour needs.
Support plans#
Some children and their whānau need tailored support plans. These are sometimes known as Individual Education Plans (IEPs) or Learning Plans. These plans focus on the needs and aspirations of the family and child. They set out goals for your child with plans to help your child achieve them.
Once an IEP is created, it'll travel with your child throughout their education and develop as their needs change.
The learning support team will work with families and other agencies to develop support plans alongside other services such as child development teams.
How to access learning support#
Talk to your child's teacher#
Talking with your child's teacher is a good place to start. It does not have to be a formal meeting. You can raise your concerns with teachers during a casual conversation.
Part of a teacher’s role is to observe children’s learning and development. If you or your child's teacher have concerns, it's good to talk about this together.
Teachers often have strategies or approaches they can try within the classroom that you can also support at home. Making a plan together is a good place to start.
Your school or kura may also have a teacher responsible for learning support, such as a LSC, who you can talk to.
If your child's teacher thinks they may need to work with our learning support team to plan how to further meet your child's needs, they can contact us with your permission.
Talk to your child's healthcare provider#
You can also talk to your doctor or another healthcare provider if you have concerns about your child.
Contact our learning support team#
If you need more advice after talking to your school, you can contact our learning support team directly to talk about your concerns. They can help you to understand whether your child may need additional support, and if so, what options may be available.
Your regional office can provide support.
If your child is not enrolled at school or kura#
We will help you find a suitable school or kura for your child. All children have the right to attend their local school. We know that being around other tamariki or rangatahi | young people is beneficial for learning and wellbeing.
If your child has not yet started school, then talk to your early learning service about the Early Intervention Service.
Learning support in the early years
Learning support resources for parents#
Incredible Years support programmes are for parents who are wanting to gain skills and confidence in developing their children’s social and emotional learning and communication skills. There is also a specific Incredible Years programme for parents of children who may have autism.
These programmes are government-funded and free.
Incredible Years programme – Te Kete Ipurangi
Incredible Years Autism programme – Te Kete Ipurangi
Our Inclusive Education website has guides to supporting diverse learners that are helpful to both teachers and parents.
