ANALYSIS OF THE SPECIAL PRESCHOOL AND PRIMARY EDUCATION SYSTEM FOR CHILDREN WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY IN REPUBLIC OF MACEDONIA AND REPUBLIC OF TURKEY

Abstract

Preschool education is providing education for children before the start of compulsory (primary) education, mostly for children from 8 months till going to school. The purpose of preschool education is to help children to develop physically and intellectually, to develop their speaking skills and properly prepare for primary school. On the other hand, primary education is the first stage of compulsory education. The main goal of primary education is to achieve basic literacy and math skills for all pupils. Education of children with intellectual disability requires the need of special education system. Considering their limited abilities, the children with intellectual disability, need adapted system in accordance with their calendar, and mental age. Such a system implies a need for many specifics in the determination of educational activities, compiled by the needs of children with intellectual disabilities, and their interests. In Republic of Macedonia there are several government special schools in which the preschool education is also functioning. In Turkey, there is also an organized system of special education for children with intellectual disabilities. Each of them has a special trained staff, special programs and special organizational structure.