The Directorate of Education (DoE), Delhi, has issued comprehensive new guidelines to enhance support for children with disabilities and special needs studying in government schools. In a landmark initiative, ten new resource centres have been established across Delhi, each designed to operate under a standard operating procedure (SOP) that ensures structured, safe, and effective delivery of therapeutic and educational services.
New Resource Centres: A Step Toward Inclusive Education
These newly launched centres aim to serve as therapeutic hubs providing coordinated care for students referred from their respective schools. Each centre is mandated to operate six days a week, from 9 am to 5 pm, remaining closed on Sundays, second Saturdays, and gazetted holidays. The directive also mandates that all blocks within the centres be equipped with CCTV cameras to maintain a secure and transparent environment for the children during therapy sessions.
Comprehensive Therapeutic Services
Each resource centre will offer a range of therapeutic services, including physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and clinical psychology. The therapy needs of every child will be carefully assessed and mapped by Special Education Teachers (SETs) at their schools prior to referral. The therapy sessions will last 45 minutes, with each child allowed a maximum of eight sessions per day, depending on their individual requirements.
The DoE has emphasized a collaborative approach involving SETs, centre coordinators, therapists, and psychologists to ensure smooth operations. “All instructions mentioned in the SOP shall be implemented in true letter and spirit,” the order states, underscoring the government’s commitment to maintaining high standards of service delivery.
Safety, Monitoring, and Accountability
Student safety remains a cornerstone of the new initiative. According to the guidelines, students must be escorted by their SET for all assessments and therapy sessions. In cases where the SET is unavailable, another teacher appointed by the Head of School (HoS) will accompany the student while keeping both the SET and the parents informed.
Heads of schools associated with these resource centres will oversee daily activities, facility maintenance, and child safety protocols. Any lapses concerning safety, sanitation, or security will be treated with utmost seriousness by the Directorate of Education.
Promoting Collaboration for Holistic Development
Beyond therapeutic care, these centres are envisioned as collaborative spaces where educators, therapists, and parents work together to support the holistic development of children with special needs. Each child’s progress will be tracked through structured assessments, ensuring a personalised and outcome-based approach.
The detailed SOP aims to standardise operations across all centres, enhancing accountability, quality assurance, and accessibility of services for students with disabilities.
Towards an Inclusive Future
With these new Special Education Resource Centres, Delhi’s education department is taking a significant step toward building an inclusive and equitable education system. By integrating therapy, education, and family support within one framework, the Directorate of Education aims to ensure that every child receives the care, attention, and learning opportunities they deserve.
