ILOILO City — Children with special needs as young as infancy will soon have access to free psychological assessments.
The city government is preparing to open a new early intervention center in La Paz district, expanding services aimed at identifying developmental concerns and providing timely support.
The new RISEABLE Early Intervention Center, located beside La Paz Plaza behind the La Paz Library, will provide free assessments for children aged zero to five, conducted by psychologists and psychometricians.
Iloilo City Public Employment Service Office (PESO) manager and center head Gab Umadhay said the initiative forms part of the city government’s efforts to strengthen early childhood intervention services.
The facility will accommodate an additional 60 children, with admissions conducted in batches, following the system implemented at the existing RISEABLE center in Taal, Molo.
To support its operations, the city government is recruiting five licensed special education (SPED) teachers. Interested applicants may submit their resumes to the city PESO.
Umadhay emphasized that early intervention is crucial in developing children’s communication, behavioral and social skills, particularly in preparing them for eventual integration into regular Department of Education classrooms.
Beyond assessments and educational support, the center will conduct quarterly seminars to help parents better understand and respond to their children’s developmental needs.
The city PESO is also extending livelihood assistance opportunities to solo parents, particularly those raising children with special needs.
The expansion is expected to give more families access to early assessment and specialized support services, while helping children with developmental challenges prepare for mainstream education./PN
