There are many choices of schooling systems and placements within those systems.  The important thing to focus on is what is going to be the best for your child and family at this particular point in time.

While we would all like to make the "right" decision and stick with it, remember that it is always possible to change schools.  Be guided by your child, and how you feel their schooling is progressing.

Schools offer a variety of assistance for children with special needs.  This assistance may directly support your child, or indirectly support your child by assisting the teacher.  Government Schools use a programme called Schools Plus to calculate the support and resources allocated to each child with special needs within a school. Therapy Support will continue throughout your child's schooling, although a change in therapy provider will occur when your child enters Year One.

Mainstream

Most children with Down syndrome are able to attend their local school. As good planning takes time it is best to begin the enrolment process 12 months before your child is ready to start school.  All children with a disability are entitled to attend their local school. 

State Government

www.det.wa.edu.au/inclusiveeducation/detcms/portal/

Schooling in Western Australia Guide for Parents  www.det.wa.edu.au/education/parents.asp

Schools Plus  www.det.wa.edu.au/schoolsplus/detcms/portal/

Catholic

Catholic Education Office of WA  www.ceowa.perth.catholic.edu.au

Independent Schools

Independent Schools - Anglican Diocese of Perth  www.perth.anglican.org/web/Education/Independent_Schools

Association of Independent Schools of Western Australia  http://www.ais.wa.edu.au

Special Education / Education Support

These schools offer structured and specialised programmes for children with a disability.  There are generally three types of Special Education available in Western Australia :

Education support units are found within mainstream schools and are under the control of the principal of that school.  They generally cater for students with the lowest level of support requirements and who integrate with the mainstream students for some of their educational program.

Education support centres are smaller facilities that are located on site at a mainstream school but operate independently with separate administration.  Students may be integrated into the mainstream school for some programs.

Education support schools are dedicated to the education of students with disabilities.  They generally cater for students with the greatest level of disability and support requirements, however most education support schools now provide Early Intervention programs  for 3-5 year olds where children can attend full time or part-time and spend the rest of the week in a mainstream school.  They may also have satellite classes which integrate children into a nearby mainstream school.

Education Support schools may also offer programmes for 0-4 year olds if demand exists and funding is available.

To view a list of education support schools and centres visit Schools Online and click on "advanced search". In the section "school type" select Education Support Schools/Centres.

Home Schooling

You may also consider home schooling to be the best educational option for your child.  The School Education Act (1999)  requires parents who choose to educate their child at home to apply to District Office to be registered as a home educator. 

www.det.wa.edu.au/education/homeeducation/

Home Based Learning Network of WA www.hbln.org.au/

 Home Schooling and Down Syndrome by Jaime Baxter

How to Home School a Child with Down Syndrome by Tiesha Whatley

Home Schooling Children with Special Needs