Educational Rights of the Child
EDUCATION LAWS IN JAPAN:
– According to Japanese laws, every child in Japan has a right to 9 years of education, regardless of their background.
– BUT, the placement of a child in a certain educational setting is where the laws and rights can get confusing.
– Generally, an assessment will take place to determine the placement of a child into an educational setting.
– BUT, it is your right to dispute the placement. Your disputes will be heard and may or may not be addressed.
* In some cases, if a child receives an IQ test that results in a placement in a special needs school setting, for example, and the family feels that the child would be better suited in the regular school setting, the school will allow the child to be placed in a regular school, but will refuse to offer any special needs support in the regular school setting.
* Non-Japanese children who have valid visas may also attend Japanese public schools, even if they cannot speak Japanese.
RECEIVING VARIOUS SUPPORT AND THE DISABILITY CERTIFICATE:
– In terms of the laws that are in place that can help a family with receiving support, in Japan there are disability certificates called the “RYOUIKU TECHOU”, “the SHINTAISHOGAISHA TECHOU”, and the SEISHINSHOUGAISHA TECHOU”, which can provide a child with financial support and discounts for certain services.
– BUT, this is something that may or may not be brought up to the family when first visiting their city hall.
* Here is a link to learn more about what these certificates can provide. If brought up at the first visit to city hall by the family, the city hall will be able to provide more information. Please, as mentioned before, use the parent support groups, as well as contacts of this website when looking to ask any questions about this. Here is the link for more information: http://www.fukushihoken.metro.tokyo.jp/joho/koho/publications/koho_bk/27/tokyo_fukuho_e15.files/2015fukusi_eigo_2.pdf
* This is a link to a handbook that has a lot of extremely important information regarding raising a child with developmental disabilities in Japan, including information about the certificates. Please take an in-depth look as many of your questions may be answered here: http://www.rehab.go.jp/ddis/%E6%97%A5%E6%9C%AC%E3%81%AE%E5%8F%96%E3%82%8A%E7%B5%84%E3%81%BF%E3%83%BB%E4%B8%96%E7%95%8C%E3%81%AE%E5%8B%95%E3%81%8D/?action=common_download_main&upload_id=4323
ADDITIONAL IMPORTANT EDUCATIONAL RIGHTS:
– Although this will likely not be brought up to the family, it is the family’s right to provide their own shadow teacher in a Japanese school setting if they desire.
– BUT, this will require a lengthy process, including setting agreements with the school.
– BUT, it is possible if the family is willing and interested in doing so, and can pay for the shadow teacher.
– A shadow teacher can help with a child’s language needs, possibly, or even special needs if the family feels that the school may not be doing enough.
