Establishing a Special Needs Education (SNED) Program at Jose C. Catolico Sr. Elementary School: A Feasibility Study

This feasibility study explores the possibility of establishing a Special Needs Education (SNED) Program at Jose C. Catolico Sr. Elementary School in General Santos City. The school has seen a steady increase in learners showing signs of special educational needs, and both teachers and parents have expressed concern about the lack of tailored support. The study aimed to understand how the school can better serve these learners by examining its current resources, the level of readiness among teachers, and the overall support from the community. To do this, the research team conducted surveys, interviews, and focus group discussions with learners, parents, teachers, and school leaders. The study also looked into various aspects such as program planning, implementation requirements, costs, and potential risks making sure the proposal aligns with DepEd’s goals for inclusive education. The findings show that while the school currently lacks trained SNED teachers and some necessary tools and materials, there is strong willingness among the staff and parents to support such a program. Some challenges were identified like financial limitations and the stigma sometimes associated with special needs but the study also offers practical solutions, including partnerships, training programs, and community education. The results suggest that launching a SNED program is both achievable and meaningful. It would give children with special needs the right support to thrive, while also creating a more inclusive, compassionate, and responsive learning environment for everyone in the school community.