WILLEMSTAD - The new ordinance for special foundational education has finally been established and submitted to the Parliament. After a lengthy policy development process, the law, based on the 'Ku Tur Derechi' document from 2014, has been approved. This law acknowledges the importance of special education for students with special needs.
The ordinance is designed with the idea that special education is only necessary when inclusive education is not sufficient. Special education should provide specialized and individualized support, different from regular foundational education. Therefore, it was decided to create a separate ordinance for special foundational education. The law also imposes new requirements on teachers, who must have special qualifications within five years of the law coming into force.
The costs of the required training course are estimated at 150,000 guilders, funded by the government. Special education will receive its own funding of 25,000 guilders per student per year, with a total estimated cost of 750,000 guilders annually. This money is expected to come from the budget of the Ministry of Education.