Nursery schools

Children's well-being

In Iceland, new laws on integrate services for the well-being of children take effect. They are to ensure that children and parents have ready access to the services they need and receive the right support at the right time, from the right people.

All children under the age of 18 and their families shall have access to a service coordinator for the child's well-being, as required. The role of the coordinator is:

• to have the child's best interests at heart
• to carry out their role in cooperation and consultation with the parent and child
• to provide information about services in the interests of a child's well-being
• to assist in ensuring access to an assessment of the child's needs
• to plan and monitor the integration of first-stage services for the well-being of the child
• to inform the local authority of the need for the appointment of a case manager
• to participate in the work of the support team as appropriate

When a child is attending nursery, primary, or secondary school, the point of contact for services supporting the child's well-being is a member of staff at the school or nursery the child attends.

Special tuition

The aim of special education in nurseries is to ensure that children enjoy their time at nursery and receive a varied education that is tailored to their needs. Nurseries are responsible for ensuring that children who require it receive special education.

Each nursery school has a special education manager who is the professional supervisor of the school's special education. Special education and teaching consultants act as the children's contacts.

In some cases, a child may need to receive support outside the nursery, for example occupational therapy, physiotherapy or speech therapy. Applicants send a request to the Head of the Assessment and Advisory Department.

Psychological services

Playgroup psychologists observe the children and provide advice to playgroup staff and parents. Requests for psychological services must be submitted to the playgroup's special education manager on a dedicated form, which is completed in collaboration between the parents and the playgroup. Parental consent for the request must always be provided.

Speech and language therapy

Speech and language therapists assess children in nurseries and provide advice to nursery staff and parents. Requests for an assessment by a speech and language therapist must be submitted to the nursery's special educational needs coordinator on a dedicated form, which is completed in collaboration with the parents and the nursery. Parental consent for the request must always be provided.

Parenting – PMTO parenting skills and SMT school skills

PMTO stands for „Parent Management Training – Oregon Method“, which is an approach for parents and others involved in parenting. PMTO is an evidence-based approach that reduces behavioural difficulties in children and adolescents and strengthens parents in their role. A variety of resources, courses and advice are available for parents.

SMT school skills is a similar approach to PMTO, with an emphasis on preventing and reducing behavioural problems.