By Maria Asumpta Estefanie C. Reyes
CABANATUAN CITY (PIA) — The Cabanatuan East Central School (CECS) remains open for assessment and enrollment of learners with special needs, even after the official start of School Year 2025–2026.
CECS Principal Leah Alvaran said a total of 88 non-graded learners had already enrolled in the school’s Special Needs Education (SNED) program as of the school’s opening day on June 16.
She explained that “non-graded” learners are those assessed to have special needs and are not assigned to a specific grade level.
These learners participate in self-contained sessions conducted by trained SNED teachers.
Meanwhile, those assessed to be capable of joining regular classes are recommended for inclusion under the school’s inclusive education setup.
CECS will continue accepting enrollment for learners with special needs throughout June and beyond, as the program allows for continuous admission and learning.
Alvaran mentioned that during the previous school year, they accommodated 236 learners with special needs and expect a similar number this year.
To ensure appropriate interventions, the school has teachers specifically trained in SNED and has implemented physical accessibility features throughout the campus.
These features include ramps in school buildings and comfort rooms equipped with grab bars and wider spaces for wheelchair access.
Alvaran also shared that the school receives support from various partner private institutions and the local government unit, particularly through the provision of supplies and other forms of assistance for both learners and teachers.
“Para sa ating mga learners with special needs, kasama po yung kanilang mga magulang, ako po ay lubos na nagpapasalamat sa inyo sa pagtangkilik po ninyo dito sa ating paaralan bilang inyong pangalawang tahanan. Gayun pa rin po, bukas po ang Paaralang Sentral ng Silangang Cabanatuan para i-accommodate po kayo–libre. So, marami po tayong mga mahuhusay at butihing guro. They teach with their heart, hindi lang with their head. Syempre, with their heart and with their hand. Handa po kaming lahat tumulong para sa inyo, para sa ikabubuti po ng ating mga anak. [To our learners with special needs, together with their parents, I sincerely thank you for your support of our school as your second home. Likewise, the Cabanatuan East Central School remains open to accommodate you—for free. We have many excellent and kind teachers. They teach with their heart, not just with their head. Of course, with their heart and with their hand. All of us are ready to help you, for the good of our children],” she emphasized.
As of opening day, a total of 2,850 students have enrolled at CECS, and the number is expected to increase in the coming days.
The school assured that the number of classrooms and teachers is sufficient to meet the needs of learners this year.
For more information and to facilitate enrollment and assessment, parents and guardians of learners with special needs are encouraged to visit the school’s Oplan Balik Eskwela Help Desk or proceed directly to the SNED department. (CLJD/MAECR, PIA Region 3-Nueva Ecija)
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