The city government here on Monday opened a center for children with special needs aged three to five years.

The launch of the RISEable, the first city-government Special Education (SPED) and Early Intervention Center, is part of the inclusive education and early childhood care initiatives of the local government.

It offers one-on-one sessions and SPED classes, focusing on both behavioral and academic interventions.

“This center provides specialized learning and developmental support for children with special needs for free,” Mayor Raisa Treñas said in a media interview.

Treñas spoke to a parent of an eight-year-old with special needs and found out that they have struggled for years to find help as they could not afford the therapy costing PH25,000 to PH30,000 a month.

“For children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) or other developmental conditions, this center provides a safe space to learn how to express themselves, interact with others and grow at their own pace,” she said.

When given intervention at an early age, she said children with special needs will grow up functional and independent.

Treñas said the SPED center in Molo District is just the start since the plan is to have centers in every district to make services more accessible, especially for families who find travel difficult.

RISEable officer-in-charge Gabriel Felix Umadhay said they currently have an initial 24 patients.

“Special education teachers will manage the children’s programs for their special needs. The goal is to help these children stay in classrooms and be integrated into kindergarten and eventually, Grade 1,” he said. (PNA)