Early intervention – help for children before they start school

The Early Intervention Service helps children from birth until they start school who have a:

• developmental delay
• learning delay
• disability
• behaviour difficulty
• communication difficulty.

What to do if you are worried about your child’s learning — Ministry of Education

Support, funding and services for school-age children

Special equipment available

Apply for funding for equipment to help your child learn.

Who assistive technology is for — Ministry of Education

This could include:

• special computers
• vision equipment
• special seats or tables
• hearing devices.

Apply for assistive technology — Ministry of Education

Physical Disability Service

The Physical Disability Service provides physiotherapists and occupational therapists to work with physically disabled children at school. Find out what help is available.

Physical Disability Support — Ministry of Education

School property modifications

Schools can apply for funding to change school property to make things easier for disabled children, for example widening doors for wheelchair access.

Funding for accessibility at school

Help getting to and from school

Support for children with mobility or safety needs to get to and from the nearest school.

Specialised School Transport Assistance (SESTA) — Ministry of Education

Teacher’s aide support

Apply for funding to provide your child with a teacher’s aide who will work with them in the classroom to help them learn.

Who the School High Health Needs Fund is for — Ministry of Education

If your child is sick for a long period of time, a teacher may be able to visit them in hospital or at home.

Regional health schools: specialist education agreements — Ministry of Education

Help from non-government organisations

There are a number of organisations that provide information and support for families of children with learning support needs.

Supporting your child if they need extra help with their learning — Ministry of Education