‘Lack of assistants means kids can’t get help they require’: Free pre-school places for special needs children under threat

The Department of Children and Youth Affairs admitted access to the free pre-school year for children with special needs was ‘not satisfactory’

Children with disablities are being denied their free pre-school places because of a lack of Special Needs assistants.

The Department of Children and Youth Affairs admitted access to the free pre-school year for children with special needs was ‘inconsistent’ and ’not satisfactory’.

It confirmed that improving the situation is a ‘priority’ and that the secretary general of the Department is working with his counterparts in the Department of Health and the Department of Education and Skills to find a ‘workable’ solution.

Around 65,000 children are eligible for the current pre-school year but parents and childcare providers say many are losing out because they do not have vital pre-school assistants.

Read the full article on The Irish Mirror Website