Support measures for schoolchildren with a different native language
Children with a different native language are eligible for different kinds of support. In order to receive support, the child needs to have an appointment at the school counseling center (Pedagogical-Psychological Counseling Center) which will provide the school with suitable support measure recommendation. There are 5 levels of support measures, children with a different native language can be granted levels 1 through 3. Levels 4 and 5 apply to children who also have some form of disability. Children who enroll in school with insufficient or no knowledge of Czech and do not have the possibility to attend the language training course can benefit from a Czech language class (up to 3 hours per week) or be supported during regular classes (e.g. by adapting the classes, exercises or activities accordingly, alternatively by an assistant teacher).
Schoolchildren with insufficient or no knowledge of Czech can also receive support by modifying evaluation or the content of education. These modifications should be incorporated in the Student Support Plan or in the Individual Study plan which parents of the child confirm by signature.
Schoolchildren with a different native language have the right to be examined at the Pedagogical-Psychological Counseling Center just like any other schoolchild.
Free language training course
All foreign schoolchidren (i.e. not children with Czech citizenship) subject to compulsory school attendance for less than one year are entitled to a free language training course. This mainly means classes of Czech as a second language incorporated into the regular primary school schedule.
Under certain conditions, children with Czech citizenship can also attend this language course (but they are not entitled to it).
When the child starts attending primary school, the principal informs the child’s parents about the location of this language course (there are certain schools that organize these language courses in each region). If it is not possible for the child to commute to the school where the language course takes place, the principal has to arrange for a language training course in the child’s school.
