Parents, on yesterday’s show I mentioned a plan that can be implemented by the classroom teacher if you or they have a concern about a child’s development. Here it is:

Stage I

A class teacher or parent may have concerns about the academic, physical, social, behavioural or emotional development of certain pupils. The teacher should then administer screening measures, which may include screening checklists and profiles for children in senior infants and first class, standardised, norm-referenced tests for older children and behavioural checklists where appropriate.

The class teacher should then draw up a short, simple plan for extra help within the normal classroom setting in the relevant areas of learning and/or behavioural management. The success of the plan should be reviewed on a regular basis, with appropriate parental involvement. If concern remains after approximately two school terms, the Special Education Support Team in the school may be consulted about the desirability of a move to Stage II.

Supports available for Stage 1:

• Home/School/Community Liaison teachers, if available, should be involved at this stage and in subsequent stages in supporting and advising the parents of children with difficulties in school.

• Teachers in schools that have access to the National Educational Psychological Service (NEPS) may consult their area psychologist about their proposed learning or behavioural management plan.