Enrolment
Eligibility for Enrolment
A child who have been deemed eligible for funding under the DEECD Program for Students with a Disability (PSD) and has been diagnosed as having a moderate to profound Intellectual Disability is eligible to enrol at Latrobe Special Developmental School. Before entering Latrobe Special Developmental School, students will need to be assessed by a qualified educational psychologist to determine eligibility and then qualify for funding through the Program for Students with Disabilities under the criteria of Intellectual Disability.
We work with families to complete this process and are happy to attend case meetings prior to your child's enrolment in order to facilitate a smooth transition to school. For more information about the Program for Children with Disabilities go to the Department of Education & Training website.
The decision to enrol at Latrobe Special Developmental School is ultimately a family choice. Enrolment may be on a full-time basis or part time, with enrolment shared between our School and a mainstream school. Enrolment of less than two days per week is strongly discouraged.
Prep Enrolment
If your child will be five years old by 30 April of the year of school entry, they are eligible to start school. Please visit our school and discuss your child's need and why you think they may be eligible to attend.
Funding for Students with Special or Additional Needs
A child with special or additional needs entering a Department of Education and Training (DET) school may be eligible for additional funding to provide additional assistance through the Program for Students with Disabilities (PSD). This applies to mainstream schools and special settings.
The application process can be quite lengthy and includes collection of information about the child including assessments and reports addressing the area of need. It is important this this process is started as soon as possible with the school.
Once a child is funded through Program for Students with Disabilities (PSD), the funding will move with them if they transfer to another Department of Education and Training (DET) school.
Application Process for Enrolling at Prep Level
Visit the school, discuss your child's needs and why you think they may be eligible to attend the school. At this time, we will collect information regarding your child to start the process. Paperwork will be provided by Assessments Australia to be completed by the parent/s and your child's kindergarten or early childhood setting or the school. You will be asked to bring in any information you have regarding your child to show they have had a history of issues. This is important to support your application.
We will ask for current (within 12 months of when the application is submitted) assessment reports in your child's area of need. This often includes:
- Speech pathology
- Occupational therapy
- Physiotherapy
- Paediatrician
- Audiologist
- Psychologist
A letter of diagnosis from a paediatrician is required. Where a child does not have a diagnosis, a paediatrician will be able to their needs and the challenges they face.
A Student Support Group Meeting (SSG) will be held to discuss your child's needs and to complete an Educational Needs Questionnaire (ENQ). We will be notified of the outcome of the application and whether your child is eligible to attend Latrobe Special Developmental School. Please contact the school for further information about transition on 03 5174 1956 or email us at Latrobe.sds@education.vic.gov.au
Immunisations
A school entry immunisation certificate must be presented at the school office before children start school. This is a legal requirement upon enrolment to primary school in Victoria. This process assists health authorities in the event of a vaccine preventable disease occurrence in school. An unvaccinated child may be excluded from school for a period of time.
Transport Assistance
Students who reside within the school's Designated Transport Area (DTA) may be eligible for transport assistance.
Go to the Transport for students with a disability page of the DET website for information, application forms and guidelines about eligibility.