Vol. 529 No. 3
18 Mr. Enright asked the Minister for Education and Science the professional development opportunities that exist for class teachers where special needs children are enrolled in schools in the primary system; the number of such professional development courses operated in the past 12 months; and if he will make a statement on the matter. [2719/01]
It is the policy of my Department that all teachers working with children with special needs will have relevant training.
To that end over the last twelve months my Department has approved funding for 174 in-career development courses for teachers working with children with special needs. These are provided mainly through the network of education centres, teachers' organisations and the programme of summer courses for primary teachers.
In addition to those courses and to the pre-service training teachers receive in this area, a programme of specialised training courses is at present being developed and implemented.
My Department recently circulated schools with information on a programme of courses to be held this month for class and resource teachers working with children with autism spectrum disorders. Under this programme courses, of five-day duration, will be offered at a number of locations. Programmes of this nature are planned also for other special need categories.
