No matter where your child is at school, there will always be issues that need to be resolved.  As long as everyone keeps the best interests of the particular child at the front of their thoughts then issues can be worked through successfully.

If you do have an issue, then make sure you deal with it early. Speak to the classroom teacher first and see if you can resolve it before heading to the Principal. Do remember that you know your child best, and this puts you in the best position to advocate for them.

What happens if the principal of the school you have chosen for your child believes that his/her school can not provide for your child's individual needs?

If you believe that the school is the best choice for your child, then you must discuss your concerns with the District Student Services Manager or Student Services Manager at your local District Education Office. If you are applying to a non-government school then you will need to direct your enquiries to the school that you wish your child to attend.

You may have to consider the possibility of attending a school outside your Education District. If you wish to pursue this option you will need to have the support of the principal of your chosen school and personnel at the District Education Office.

Articles and Information

Education for Individuals with Down Syndrome - An Overview

Position Statement on the Education of Persons with Down Syndrome (Down Syndrome Association of South Australia)

For Teachers : Position Statement Regarding the Enrolment of Students with Down Syndrome

Why Should Schools Include Children with a Disability? - www.include.com.au

Down Syndrome - The School Experience

Visit the schools section to read more about inclusion - www.downsyndrome.ie

A Comparison of Mainstream and Special Education for Teenagers with Down Syndrome : Implications for Parents and Teachers by Sue Buckley, Gillian Bird, Ben Sacks and Tamsin Archer

The Inclusion of Children with Special Needs Within Mainstream Educational Settings

Resources

Department of Employment, Education and Training Schooling for Students with Disabilities

Kliewer, Christopher Schooling Children with Down Syndrome : Toward an Understanding of Possibility

Putnam, Joanne W. Cooperative Learning and Strategies for Inclusion : Celebrating Diversity in the Classroom

Stainback, William and Susan Stainback Support Networks for Inclusive Schooling : Interdependent Integrated Education

Links

Directory of District Education Offices www2.eddept.wa.edu.au/schoolpfofile/district.do

Disability Discrimination Unit at Sussex St Community Law Service Inc www.sscls.asn.au

Centre for Inclusive Schooling www.cis.perth.wa.net/contact.html

An explanation of the Disability Standards for Education 

Human Rights Commission - Disability Standards for Education