Education in Hong Kong is of an exceptionally high level and boasts some of the most inclusive pre-schools around. Many schools dedicate their expertise to include children with special needs, disabilities, and learning differences, encourage and prepare students to enter mainstream schooling, and set them on a confident path towards personal growth for a bright and prosperous future. Many schools provide both children and parents with the necessary life skills, support, and resources that they need. If your child has been diagnosed with having difficulties or learning and developmental challenges, early access to daily inclusive education is essential for their and your wellbeing. Little Steps Asia has created a list of schools so that you can be better informed about the schools and individual or available community support. Hong Kong has dedicated specialists and therapists that can assist your child in early, targeted intervention and supportive education.
For those looking for in-depth information on early years SEN:
More key SEN resources by Little Steps Asia:
For those looking for SEN after-school classes in Hong Kong – here are a few goodies!
For almost 60 years, Heep Hong Society has been offering assessments, guidance, training, and family support services throughout Hong Kong. Over 1,000 professionals, including psychologists, speech therapists, physiotherapists, occupational therapists, nurses, social workers, and teachers, serve more than 15,000 families each year. They are committed to helping the children in their care reach their full potential, empower their families and help them live in an inclusive society. The 50 service units help children at kindergarten, primary, and secondary school ages and promote integrated education through research and training. The centers support special child care, supportive learning projects, and children with autism. Their vision is to pioneer and create a better tomorrow for children and youth with diverse needs.
Heep Hong Society, various locations across Hong Kong, +852 3158 8300, isc@heephong.org, https://www.heephong.org
SPOT has three locations across Hong Kong, two of which had purpose-built sensory-motor therapy gyms and private rooms. The teachers and pediatric clinicians believe in educating and treating the whole child. They provide specialist support in child and family psychology, feeding therapies, gift, and talent programs, and provide assistance to children with a multitude of learning difficulties or dyslexia. They work closely with the families and external and referring agencies and schools. SPOT's child-centered approach and evidence-based practices create an inclusive and nurturing environment for your child. The team understands that parenthood is joyful, but it can be unsettling if you have concerns about your child. SPOT supports you every step of the way, from birth to adulthood.
SPOT, various locations across Hong Kong, +852 2807 2992, https://spot.com.hk/
The Watchdog Early Education Centre provides English and Cantonese therapy, education, and training programs for young children with special needs with a focus on children up to the age of six with autistic spectrum disorder (ASD), global developmental delay, down syndrome, cerebral palsy, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and other learning and difficulties. Each center has access to various facilities, including classrooms, sensory rooms, playgrounds, and outdoor areas. The Watchdog program prepares children for entry into the regular schooling system. It covers the literacy and numeracy curriculum, educational games, and occupational therapy. In addition to structured classes, children have access to yoga therapy, music, and speech classes. The teachers and therapists can teach children with special needs at the different kindergartens across the city.
Watchdog Early Education Centre, various locations across Hong Kong, www.watchdog.org.hk
Various learning experiences are explored at the Child Development Centre (CDC), from baby clinics to pre-school learning for children with a wide range of abilities by providing education, assessment, and therapy all under one roof. The children are guided through various therapeutic interventions and specific programs such as Applied Behavioural Analysis (ABA) and Sensory Groups. The educators teach the standard curriculum in parallel with additional therapeutic listening, phonics, and numeracy programs. The team is happy to give you tips on parenting, help you make the right decisions, and plan for developmental milestones. The professionals have provided special educational needs to children for over four decades.
Child Development Centre, 4/F, Prime Mansion, 183-187 Johnston Road, Wan Chai, Hong Kong, +852 2849 6138, info@cdchk.org, www.cdchk.org
Founded over 18-years ago, The Children's Institute of Hong Kong Limited provides special education services in Hong Kong. TCIHK has been granted charitable organization status under the Inland Revenue Department under the Hong Kong Chinese special administrative region. The institute serves children using evidence-based and state-of-the-art treatments derived from the science of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA). The students have opportunities for inclusion within general and international school settings. They are accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges. The staff is trained in evidence-based techniques. Through this training, they can provide one-on-one applied behavioral analysis programming for children with autism. The children, if necessary, can be provided with programs of study and join the Harbour School for larger gatherings such as assemblies, classroom activities, sports, and celebrations.
The Children's Institute of Hong Kong, 8/F M Place 54 Wong Chuk Hang Road, Wong Chuk Hang, Hong Kong, +852 2812 2144, info@tcihk.org, https://www.tcihk.org
This long-time Hong Kong institution was established in 1956. It provides specialist services, including physiotherapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy, to child patients throughout Hong Kong. It also provides treatment, rehabilitative services, and accommodation to adult orthopedic patients, especially those with spinal problems. It has an excellent reputation in managing spinal deformities (in children and adults) worldwide.
The Duchess of Kent Children’s Hospital, 12 Sandy Bay Road, Pokfulam, Hong Kong, +852 2817 7111, DKCH_enquiry@ha.org.hk, www.ha.org.hk/DKCH
The Nesbitt Centre focuses on preparing children for life. Their programs are designed for every child and encourage essential life skills to help them plan for a successful future. The team, students, and families collaborate to provide the best holistic and enriching learning experience. Their community is supported by their partners in business, government, NGOs, media, and academia. The center helps bring confidence and improved self-esteem through tried and tested social practices and communication skills that will equip the children to continue their education and navigate the world. Older children can be employed in various capacities at The Hong Kong Maritime Museum, The Nest at St John's Cathedral in Central, and The Nest Bakery in Sai Ying Pun.
The Nesbitt Centre, LG/F Sai Ying Pun Community Complex, 2 High Street, Sai Ying Pun, Hong Kong, +852 2813 4550, info@nesbittcentre.org.hk, https://www.nesbittcentre.org.hk
The school started with just six students 35-years ago and was named after Sarah Roe, a local occupational therapist. The Hong Kong Jockey Club provided funds for the current school. Their vision is to allow each student to be the best version of themselves by delivering innovative and balanced education with a personalized approach and by nurturing courage and confidence. They promote diversity within the local and international communities. With its team of specialized teachers and therapists, the school delivers a curriculum focused on numeracy and literacy. Older students are encouraged to develop independent living skills through a range of vocational training. The school has hydrotherapy and music therapy facilities which can also be rented by the outside community. The school thrives on bringing out the best in every child by embracing individuality.
Jockey Club Sarah Roe School, 2B Tin Kwong Road, Ho Man Tin, Kowloon, Hong Kong, +852 2761 9893, www.jcsrs.edu.hk
The Hong Kong Academy is a deliberately inclusive and diverse community that strives to be impartial, accessible, and provide a healthy and kind learning environment for each student. They believe that they can cultivate a wide-ranging richness of human differences in the ever-changing world. They involve adults and children in dialogue about meeting the needs of each individual in the community. Their active participation approach to learner support and learning is delivered in a safe and educational setting through curriculum intervention and enhancement. They have holistic wellbeing programs to encourage education. The Hong Kong Academy believes that each student should be safe and treated with respect and dignity and have stringent child protection policies that align with international standards and local laws.
Hong Kong Academy, 33 Wai Man Road, Sai Kung, New Territories, Hong Kong, +852 2655 1111, office@hkacademy.edu.hk, https://hkacademy.edu.hk
The multi-award-winning Harbour School for well over a decade has been leading a paradigm shift in education. Their entire focus is on encouraging the empowerment of every student and respecting them as individuals by understanding their learning styles, likes and dislikes, culture, background, and interests. The learning uses a personal approach so teachers can adapt their methods to deliver the curriculum to children with different learning patterns and skills. Children are positively inspired to enjoy their childhood while being resilient, kind, and having fun learning to become problem-solvers. Personal or small-group classes are offered to children who are gifted or have learning disorders and need a little encouragement and support in an optimized environment.
The Harbour School, three campuses in Hong Kong, +852 2816 5222, info@ths.edu.hk, https://www.ths.edu.hk
Sprout specializes in providing early years SEN support for children aged 2 to 5, offering wraparound services that encompass ABA therapy, speech therapy, and occupational therapy in both small group and 1:1 settings, aiming to maximize the benefits of early intervention. With extensive experience in preparing young children with ASD for integration into mainstream international kindergartens, Sprout delivers trilingual services in Mandarin, Cantonese, and English, catering to families seeking language-rich diversity and considering bilingual international schools. Their focus lies in fostering school readiness skills through highly personalized programs, ensuring these children are well-equipped to learn alongside their neurotypical peers. With over a decade of collaboration with international schools, Sprout ensures your child receives the best support, partnering with TOP SCHOOL to assist families in nurturing their little ones effectively.
Sprout in Motion, G/F, 5A Chancery Lane, Central, Hong Kong, +852 2563 4138, enquiries@sprout.hk, www.sproutinmotion.com
Little Steps Asia knows what families need.
Sign up for our email newsletters to get the most out of Asia!
Got kids? Little Steps Asia gives you the scoop on all the things to do and see with babies, toddlers, and kids in Hong Kong, Singapore, Kuala Lumpur, Bali, Jakarta, Macau, and beyond. From family-friendly hotels, kids and baby shops, the best schools and after school activities, pregnancy tips and meet-ups and more – we have you sorted.
Sign up to receive the free Little Steps email newsletter packed with news, offers, and hidden treasures for Hong Kong families.
© 2024 Little Steps Asia. All rights reserved.