Description
The project addresses the need to provide supportive environment for children with special educational needs (SEN) in the kindergartens/schools in the town of Velingrad. The project aims at engaging the stakeholders to plan the steps to ensure such environment for the children. First, a network of 50 experts from at least 3 educational institutions will be set up. Second, a detailed analysis of the needs of such children will be carried out. Third, 30 experts will be trained in early detection of SEN, school preparedness assessment and work with parents of such children. Fourth, the stakeholders will discuss the best practices and prepare an action plan for the period 2015-2020. Finally, centres for individual work with such children will be set up. The project will benefit children with SEN, their parents, teachers, experts, the educational institutions and local authorities and the public. The partner will help with the discussions and contacts with the stakeholders.
Summary of project results
The new Pre-school and School Education Act provides for the drafting and introduction of new tools to carry out the transition to inclusive education, socialization and education of children with special educational needs (SEN). That is why the project united the community, NGOs and decision-makers in Velingrad Municipality to discuss all related unsolved issues and outline solutions. The project aimed at consolidating the efforts of the education establishments in Velingrad Municipality and initiating an efficient dialogue with local and regional authorities to solve the deficiencies. The municipality was provided with an action plan for the period 2016-2020 to implement the Pre-school and School Education Act and the National programmes and strategies. The emphasis was placed on working with children and students with SEN; the existing participatory premises and information environment were analyzed and improved; the educators raised their competence; a very good supportive environment for children facing challenges was created in one of the leading kindergartens, Detski Rai Kindergarten; a powerful public campaign was launched to accept differences; the strategic directions and specific actions to improve the work with children with SEN in Velingrad Municipality were outlined to achieve the transition to an inclusive education. All the target groups (6) joined in the project by getting involved in various activities: initiators – 50; children -35; decision-makers – 6; minorities -5; people with disabilities – 10; media -5. The project’s sustainability will be ensured through the adoption of a strategy and a plan for its implementation by the Municipal Council of Veligrad as well as the trained experts and the operation of a furnished and equipped office. For more information, please, visit:
www.zaednozadecata.org
Summary of bilateral results