Ministry of Education to Subsidize 400 Full-Time Special Education Assistants in Academic Year 2026

(CNA, Taipei, June 29) The Ministry of Education's Department of Elementary and Secondary Education (DOESE) is promoting the "Project to Enhance the Service Quality of Special Education Student Assistants in Senior High Schools and Kindergartens." In academic year 2026 (115th academic year), it will subsidize the addition of 400 full-time special education student assistants. The goal is to reach a total of 1,600 nationwide by academic year 2027 (116th academic year).

The DOESE stated in a press release today that special education student assistants provide daily care, learning support, and safety supervision for students with disabilities at school. However, the previous hourly wage system led to high staff turnover, difficulties in hiring, and service discontinuity.

Starting from academic year 2024 (113th academic year), the DOESE has been implementing a parallel system of full-time and hourly wage personnel. Over four years, it will subsidize local governments in hiring full-time student assistants. In academic year 2026 (115th academic year), 400 additional positions will be created, with an estimated total of 1,600 by academic year 2027 (116th academic year). Furthermore, the DOESE has introduced a long-term service bonus system for hourly wage personnel. Those who have served for over 800 hours will receive a 5% to 20% hourly wage increase, aiming to retain talent through improved compensation.

Kai's Dad, a parent of a student at Qingshui High School in Taichung City, expressed that the government's promotion of the full-time system is a significant improvement for special education support. Previously, the high turnover of hourly staff meant his child had to constantly readjust. With the shift to a full-time system, the stability and commitment of assistants are expected to increase, providing students with long-term, quality companionship and assistance.

Teacher Guo from Qingshui High School mentioned that special education student assistants build a trusting relationship with students, fostering a stable learning environment. Some matters can be understood intuitively, allowing for a connection that helps students learn with a stable mindset. Therefore, under the premise of long-term collaboration, full-time assistants are crucial.

The DOESE stated that through the plan to subsidize local governments in gradually increasing the number of full-time special education student assistants, the aim is to focus on the actual needs of students. By promoting collaboration between the central and local governments, the flexibility of human resource allocation will be strengthened. Local governments can make appropriate plans and utilize these resources based on the number of special education students and their needs within their jurisdictions, thereby enhancing the quality of special education services. (Editor: Chang Ya-ching) 1150629

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