Decision guide

Special education and school-readiness support

A guide to separating learning support, therapy and medical assessment while planning useful questions.

Reviewed 2026-10-30 · General information only
Illustration of planning questions before choosing child care
What this guide helps with

Use it to prepare questions, understand the service pathway and decide what to confirm with a provider.

What to know

Special or remedial education focuses on learning participation and educational goals; it is not interchangeable with medical or therapy assessment. Bring examples of classroom tasks, teacher observations and prior reports when requested by the actual provider. Ask who delivers the service, which skills are assessed, how goals connect to school and how progress is communicated.

Questions to take to the provider

  • Does this specific branch currently provide the service?
  • Which professional will assess or support the child, and what are their credentials?
  • Is a referral, appointment or prior report required?
  • What should the family bring, and how will the next step be explained?

Continue to relevant care

Limitations

This guide cannot determine which professional, assessment or treatment is appropriate for an individual child. Confirm branch services and current availability directly with the provider.