The inclusion of a child with disabilities attending a mainstream pre-school under the Early Childhood Care and Education Scheme

Between May 2011 and September 2012, we carried out an investigation based on a complaint submitted by a mother on behalf of her four-and-a-half-year-old daughter. The child was profoundly deaf as a result of early congenital infection with cytomegalo virus (CMV). In addition to referring to the challenges arising out her deafness, the complaint detailed elements of the developmental delay experienced by the child who was without speech, had impaired fine motor and gross motor skills and experienced concentration and behavioural difficulties. It was stated that her communication consisted of physically showing her carer what she wanted and it was specified that she was not yet potty trained.

The complaint outlined that while the child was funded to attend pre-school for 3 hours per day, 5 days per week under the ECCE scheme; she was receiving only 6 hours of special needs assistance per week from the Health Services Executive (HSE). The complaint advised that the child was unable to cope at pre-school without support due to her complex special

needs. It was stated that due to the short fall in the level of support allocated, she was only able to attend pre-school for 2 days per week instead of 5 days per week for which she was funded. The complaint asserted that provision of support was necessary in order for the child to avail of pre-school services available under ECCE and to allow her to achieve her developmental milestones.

Having concluded a preliminary examination of the complaint, the OCO determined that the actions of the HSE, the OMCYA, the DCYA and the ODMH fell within the parameters for investigation. And on this basis, in May 2011, it was decided to conduct investigations into the actions of these public bodies.

• March 2013
• Type: Investigation
• Topic: Disability, Education