Daycare and kindergartens for children with special needs in accordance with Section 32 of the Consolidation Act on Social Services

This report surveys daycare centres and kindergartens for children with special needs in accordance with Section 32 of the Consolidation Act on Social Services. These services are aimed at children with significant and permanent physical or mental disabilities who need help or special support. The survey shows that approximately 2,000-3,000 children are enrolled in daycare or kindergarten in accordance with Section 32 of the Consolidation Act on Social Services, and by far the majority are between the ages of 3 and 7. The children most often attend a special-needs daycare centre or are part of a special-needs group in a regular centre. Most centres accept children with very different special needs. Both special-needs daycare centres and special-needs groups feel that they have sufficient resources, and that they can meet the needs of almost all children. Furthermore the survey shows that a wide range of pedagogical methods and tests are used when dealing with this area. This means that it may be difficult to further explore this area systematically. This survey has been commissioned and financed by the Ministry of the Interior and Social Affairs.