If you’re a parent or guardian in search of support for your child’s learning needs, you’re not alone. Many families in the country are also looking for ways to give their children with disabilities a chance to learn, grow, and thrive.
Thankfully, the Department of Education (DepEd) has special education programs to help.
Let’s start with the most important step.
Step 1: Identify Your Child’s Needs
Before enrolling your child in a special education program, it’s important to understand what kind of support they need.
If you’ve noticed delays in speech, social behavior, learning, or physical development, you can begin by:
- Talking to your child’s pediatrician
- Visiting a developmental pediatrician for a full assessment
- Requesting referrals for occupational, speech, or behavioral therapy
This medical evaluation helps you and your child’s future teachers understand what strategies work best for them — whether they have autism, hearing or visual impairments, learning disabilities, or other developmental conditions.
Step 2: Find a SPED Center or Inclusive School
Once you have a clear understanding of your child’s learning needs, the next step is to look for a school that can support them.
You can choose between:
- SPED Centers – public schools with dedicated programs and trained staff
- Inclusive Regular Schools – mainstream schools that offer SPED services
- Private SPED Schools – often have more resources but with tuition fees
To find an option near you, visit or call your local DepEd Schools Division Office. They can provide a list of SPED centers in your city or province.
Some popular public SPED schools include:
- Philippine School for the Deaf (Pasay)
- Philippine School for the Blind (Quezon City)
- Regional SPED centers in Cebu, Davao, and other major areas
Step 3: Understand DepEd Policies for Learners with Disabilities
The DepEd created several policies to protect and support children with special needs. Two of the most important are:
DepEd Order No. 44, s. 2021
This order outlines the guidelines for inclusive education and the delivery of programs and services for learners with disabilities. It ensures that:
- Every child has the right to accessible education
- Schools must create Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) tailored to each child
- Support services must be available such as therapy, assistive devices, and trained teachers
DepEd Order No. 23, s. 2022 (Child Find Policy)
This policy ensures that all children with disabilities — even those not enrolled yet — are identified and assessed so they can access education services. Under this order:
- Schools must proactively reach out to children in the community
- Local offices help parents with documentation and referrals
- Early identification leads to early intervention
Step 4: Enroll Your Child and Discuss the IEP
After choosing the right school, the next step is to enroll your child.
Here’s what usually happens:
- Submit your child’s documents (birth certificate, medical diagnosis, report cards if available)
- Attend an initial interview or assessment with the school’s SPED team
- Help the team create an Individualized Education Plan (IEP)
An IEP is a written plan that outlines:
- Your child’s current abilities and areas for improvement
- Learning goals for the school year
- Support services needed (e.g., speech therapy, reading aids)
- How progress will be measured
You, as a parent, are a key part of this planning team.
Step 5: Seek Additional Support Services
Some schools offer more than just classroom instruction. Here are other support services to ask about:
- Resource Rooms – for one-on-one instruction or focused learning
- Therapy Services – speech, physical, occupational, or behavioral
- Assistive Devices – such as braille materials, hearing aids, or communication tools
- Teacher Aides – to provide extra help during class
- Parent Support Groups – for emotional support and shared experiences
If the public school can’t offer these services, your local DepEd office may refer you to nearby partner clinics or NGOs.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What if I can’t afford a private diagnosis?
You can inquire at your local government hospital or barangay health center. Some offer free or low-cost assessments through their developmental clinics. - Are there SPED programs outside Metro Manila?
Yes! Regional SPED centers exist across the country. Ask your local DepEd office for a list of schools in your area. - Can I homeschool my child with special needs?
Yes. Homeschooling is allowed, but it’s important to coordinate with DepEd-accredited providers to ensure your child receives the right support and curriculum. - What if my child is bullied or not treated fairly in school?
Report the issue to the school head or SPED coordinator. If unresolved, you may file a formal complaint with the DepEd regional office. Your child has the right to a safe and inclusive learning environment.
Conclusion
Accessing special education services may feel overwhelming at first, but you don’t have to go through it alone.
With support from DepEd, SPED centers, and caring professionals, your child can receive the attention, tools, and environment they need to learn and grow.
Start with a proper assessment.
Find a school that understands your child’s needs.
Get familiar with your rights under DepEd’s policies.
Work with teachers to build a strong IEP.
And don’t hesitate to ask for extra support along the way.
Every child learns differently, and that’s okay.
What matters is that they’re seen, heard, and supported — especially by you.