Busan Office of Education to Significantly Expand Special Education Preparatory Schools

Strengthening the Support and Cooperation System for Alternative Education Institutions and Out-of-School Youth
Operating Elementary Preparatory Schools for Students with Disabilities in Cooperation with Welfare Centers for the Disabled

The Busan Metropolitan Office of Education (Superintendent Kim Seokjun) will significantly expand its elementary preparatory schools for children eligible for special education to help them adapt to elementary school. The office will also establish a support and cooperation system for alternative education institutions and out-of-school youth.

On August 4, the Busan Metropolitan Office of Education announced that it would strengthen cooperation with related local organizations and expand support to realize "Busan education where the whole village raises children together" and to address educational blind spots.

To help children eligible for special education adapt to entering elementary school, the number of preparatory schools will be increased by 11 compared to last year, operating in a total of 35 schools. These schools will provide practical adaptation opportunities such as exploring school facilities, experiencing class time, and participating in peer activities. The office will also strengthen its cooperative system with the Busan Association of Welfare Centers for the Disabled to ensure smooth operation of adaptation programs and parent education, and will increase the related budget.

To enhance the capabilities of community education activists, four training sessions will be held in the second half of the year, and customized consulting in cooperation with local governments will be expanded. In addition, the office will support liability insurance premiums for life and bodily injury and mutual aid membership fees for youth affiliated with alternative education institutions registered with the education office, and will also expand funding for educational activity programs to ensure equal educational opportunities for out-of-school youth.

A working council under the Out-of-School Youth Support Committee will be newly established to strengthen cooperation with the Youth Counseling and Welfare Center and relevant departments of the Busan Metropolitan Government, and to develop customized support policies.

Support for the operation of career education support centers in 16 districts and counties will also be expanded, providing more opportunities for students to explore career paths. The office plans to enhance expertise and sustainability through discovering career experience sites, operating career counseling and experience programs, and offering customized consulting.

Superintendent Kim Seokjun stated, "It is important to cooperate with the local community to address educational blind spots in the era of low birth rates and to raise children properly," adding, "We will do our best to ensure that everyone can receive customized support without being marginalized within public education."

Busan Metropolitan Office of Education

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