Navigating Special Education in the Netherlands: A Comprehensive Guide for Parents

Dear Mama,

Living in the Netherlands or considering a move here with a special needs child can be both a challenge and an opportunity for growth. It's essential to understand that the Dutch education system often places children with mild behavioral issues or cognitive difficulties into mainstream primary schools. While this may seem daunting at first, it's a significant step towards providing your child with the support they need to thrive.

In mainstream primary schools, your child will have the chance to learn and grow alongside their peers. However, it's important to acknowledge that most teachers may not have specialized training in handling children with special needs.

This initial period, which typically lasts for about 4 to 6 months, can be exhausting and demanding. During this time, your child's teacher will maintain close communication with you, seeking your input on strategies to support your child while at school.

One crucial aspect of this process is the development of an OPP (OntwikkelingsPerspectiefPlan), a legally mandated individualized plan. The OPP outlines what your child can achieve, their support needs, and the school's commitment to helping them reach their potential. It also allows for regular evaluations to ensure progress.

I want to share my own experience with you as an example. My child, Christian, faced several behavioral challenges and was non-verbal at the time. This made it difficult for him to communicate his needs to teachers or participate in group activities. Additionally, he was in the process of being potty trained, which was a unique challenge with a non-verbal child. Together with the school, we decided to create an OPP to determine how best to support Christian's needs.

Please note that enrolling your child in preschool when they are not potty trained may lead to frequent calls from the school to change diapers or clothing. It can be surprising, but it's essential to be prepared for such situations.

You have the power to decide whether your child continues in mainstream school or transfers to a special needs school. While the school may make recommendations, the final choice rests with you. If you choose mainstream education, preschools and local authorities have an obligation to ensure the necessary support and accessibility for your child.

Determining that your child has special education needs can occur in two ways:

1.Children with severe physical, behavioral, and/or cognitive disabilities:

For some children, it may be evident even before they start school that they require specialized resources. Parents can refer their child for special education, often with support from medical specialists or child welfare workers. In such cases, children may be admitted directly to special needs schools.

2.Children with mild physical, behavioral, and/or cognitive disabilities:

The "Together to School Again" initiative emphasizes inclusion and integration. The classroom teacher takes responsibility for assessing children with mild learning difficulties and mental impairments. Support can come from the school's special needs coordinator or regional school support team.

This process can take time, typically at least six months before adequate help is provided.

During this waiting period, consider seeking help for your child outside of school, such as finding a speech therapist, psychologist, or physiotherapist, depending on your child's needs.

If additional support remains ineffective, both you and the school can initiate steps to have your child evaluated for transfer to another school. This involves several steps, including consultations with a GP, pediatrician, child psychologist, and other specialists based on your child's condition.

Once these reports are compiled and the following steps have been followed, the school's care coordinator will prepare a TLV (toelaatbaarheidsverklaring):

1. Completion and Evaluation of OPP: The OntwikkelingsPerspectiefPlan (OPP) has been meticulously crafted and thoroughly assessed. While this plan provides a structured framework, it's important to note that flexibility exists in cases of urgent need.

2. Multidisciplinary Discussion: A pivotal moment in this journey is the multidisciplinary discussion involving parents and a team of experts. Typically, this team includes a psychologist, a doctor, a social worker (SWV representative), and the school's head teacher. Additionally, depending on your child's specific needs, an expert such as an audiologist might be included.

3. Support from Independent Experts: Two independent experts, including at least one educationalist or psychologist, have provided their support for the TLV application. Their expertise and willingness to issue a statement greatly influence the process.

4. Determining Duration: The discussion also extends to determine the duration your child will spend at the special needs school. This crucial aspect ensures that the support aligns with your child's evolving needs, making it a dynamic and tailored plan.

5. Choosing the Right School: As parents, you'll embark on the journey of exploring special needs schools that best align with your child's unique requirements. The chosen school's name is subsequently added to the TLV.

This comprehensive process is designed to create a well-rounded plan that considers your child's needs, involves a network of professionals, and ensures that they receive the support they require.

Remember that the effort invested in this process is a powerful step toward providing your child with the care they deserve. You're almost at the finish line!

A multidisciplinary discussion will follow, involving parents, experts, and specialists, all aimed at determining the best course of action for your child. The TLV will be discussed by an admission board comprising doctors and specialists from various fields. This comprehensive assessment considers your child's background and formulates an Individual Educational Plan (IEP).

If the board approves, your child can be transferred to the appropriate special needs school. The formal application process can then begin, bringing your child closer to the help they need.

Please be aware that this entire process, from start to finish, can take at least a year.

I want you to know that while this journey can be long, grueling, and tedious, it is undeniably worth it to ensure your child receives the right care and support. You are not alone in this process.

If you ever need help, support, or someone to talk to about the challenges you face, please don't hesitate to reach out to me. Together, we can navigate this path and ensure that your child gets the care they deserve.