Amman, Sept. 23 (Petra) -- National consultations on the draft National Policy for Inclusive Education in Early Childhood and the Inclusive Education Quality Standards Framework began in Amman on Wednesday, organized by the Royal Academy for Inclusive Education in cooperation with Caritas Jordan.
Iman Zaboun, a member of the technical team that prepared the policy, said it covers children from birth to age 8 and seeks to ensure children with disabilities have equal access to learning, participation, development and support in inclusive settings.
She said the policy also addresses early intervention for children with developmental delays and those at risk, based on their needs, assessment results and applicable legislation.
Zaboun noted that the policy builds on existing services and expertise in the health, social development, education, child protection and early intervention sectors, with a focus on strengthening coordination rather than creating a new system or transferring existing mandates.
The policy includes nine interconnected measures covering governance and responsibilities, a national closed-loop referral pathway, services and financing, inclusive education quality standards, workforce development, accessibility and equity, sustainable financing, data governance and accountability, as well as mechanisms for complaints and redress.
Royal Academy Director General Mayada Natour said the consultations aim to finalize the national policy and establish an integrated framework for inclusive education in early childhood.
She said the policy seeks to strengthen coordination among the social development, education and child protection sectors, ensuring continuity of information, plans and services for children and their families from early identification through the different stages of childhood.
Natour said the draft was presented for discussion and development with the participation of decision-makers, service providers, community representatives and professionals working with children and their families.
The two-day consultations include discussions on policy priorities, financing requirements, and proposed amendments, with participants’ recommendations to be incorporated into the draft.
The policy is part of national efforts to promote the rights of persons with disabilities and strengthen inclusive education in Jordan, ensuring children with disabilities have equal access to learning and services.
//Petra// AJ
