After-School Care for Students with Disabilities Continues Through Summer in Taoyuan; Classes Form with Just 3 Students for Holidays

Taoyuan City's Education Bureau is ensuring that students with disabilities have access to continuous support through its after-school care program, which operates year-round. The initiative prioritizes accessibility, with classes forming with just one student on weekdays and a minimum of three students during school holidays.

This program, built on the core principles of free tuition and small class sizes, provided services to 1,562 students in 252 classes across 99 elementary schools during the 114th academic year. The city allocated over 70 million NT dollars to fund these essential services. For the upcoming 115th academic year, dedicated funding will be secured to ensure the policy's continuation.

The bureau emphasizes a flexible class formation mechanism. During regular school terms, a single student's need can trigger the evaluation for a class. During breaks, a minimum of three students is the general guideline. Each school tailors its program to the individual differences and needs of the students. Beyond basic academic support, special education teachers are encouraged to develop diverse and adaptive activities.

To enhance the learning environment, the Education Bureau provides specific subsidies for air conditioning electricity costs during the summer months, ensuring students can engage in adaptive physical education or life skills training in a comfortable setting. For students facing challenges with self-care or emotional regulation, schools can request the support of a special education assistant. Furthermore, for students who require additional attention even in general after-school settings, the presence of an assistant when there are five or more such students can effectively facilitate individualized teaching goals.