Extended compulsory education

For a child who has been granted a decision on early compulsory education, compulsory education begins in the year in which they turn six. The child must attend pre-primary education, which forms part of compulsory education. Following a decision on early compulsory education, children have the right to receive pre-primary education in the year in which they turn five. The guardian decides whether the child will participate in pre-primary education a year earlier than usual.

Children are entitled to early compulsory education if they are assessed as needing more time to achieve the objectives set for pre-primary and comprehensive education due to a disability, illness or functional limitation that affects their learning ability and overall development.

An administrative decision on early compulsory education is made before the start of comprehensive education. Early compulsory education begins in the year in which the child turns six. The decision cannot be made after the start of comprehensive education. The decision on early compulsory education is no longer valid by the time the child starts comprehensive education. When a child transitions to comprehensive education, a decision on support is made (Basic Education Act, section 20 f), and the decision determines how comprehensive education is to be organised in accordance with section 20 i of the Basic Education Act.

Instructions

When preparing a decision on early compulsory education, experts in early childhood education and care (ECEC), pre-primary education and comprehensive education must work together. When assessing the need for early compulsory education, the child’s disability, illness or functional limitation is examined from various perspectives in order to gain an overall picture of the child’s support needs and prerequisites for learning. Psychological or medical reports or other similar assessments may be taken into account when making a decision, but they are not a prerequisite for reaching a decision. When making a decision, the child’s overall situation is always assessed, taking into account both their individual support needs and strengths.

The decision on early compulsory education is made by the ECEC provider or education provider; if the child is not attending early childhood education and care or pre-primary education, the decision is made by the child’s municipality of residence. A guardian may initiate the decision-making process. The child and their guardians are consulted in accordance with the Administrative Procedure Act before a decision is made. The administrative decision is made in accordance with section 2 of the Act on Compulsory Education.

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