The educational management of the learning center initiative for children in hospitals of the Special Education Center, Office of Special Education Administration

Abstract

Background and Aim: Quality of life depends on education, the most important social variable. Equity and inclusion are essential to reducing educational inequities. This has led to educational systems that attempt to give everyone equal access to learning. The Thai Constitution requires the state to provide every child with twelve years of free, high-quality education from early life to compulsory school. This led to the Hospital-Based Learning Center Project, which provides an alternate and accessible type of education for school-aged children with health issues to ensure fair educational opportunities.

Materials and Methods: The Thai Constitution mandates hospital-based learning facilities, which follow special education concepts. These centers offer health-specific learning activities for children. This project is part of the Special Education Centers' mandate under the Bureau of Special Education Administration, Ministry of Education, under Announcement on Additional Responsibilities of Special Education Centers B.E. 2553 (2010). In 2008, the Cabinet approved the Learning Center Project Phase 1 (2009–2013), which was followed by Phases 2 (2014–2018) and 3 (2019–2023). In fiscal 2024, the Cabinet authorized the Ministry of Education to annually implement the project.

Results: The Learning Center Project for hospitalized children follows the Basic Education Core Curriculum. The program includes living skills and health care academics. Instructional management adapts to student needs. Individualized learning, small group learning, and inclusive group activities are the three teaching methods of the Office of the Special Education Administration.

Conclusion: Hospital-based education helps children with health issues stay in school. This article explains the educational management model of the Learning Center Project for Children in Hospitals to help agencies, organizations, scholars, educators, and stakeholders understand hospital-based learning center education. The Thai Constitution must be followed while creating education policy for all children to promote educational equity.