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Special needs help in kindergarten

Draft, translated: translated from the Norwegian original with the help of a language model, and may contain errors. The Norwegian version is the authoritative one. See the Norwegian original →

Children under school age with a particular need have the right to special needs help, whether or not they attend kindergarten. The help is free.

Norwegian original last checked against official sources: 21 September 2026. Rules and figures change, so always check the official site before you act.

Children below compulsory school age who have a particular need have the right to special needs help. This applies right from birth, regardless of whether the child attends kindergarten or not.

Who is entitled?

The right follows from section 31 of the Kindergarten Act and applies until the child starts school, usually the year the child turns six. If the child has had a delayed school start, the right applies right up until school starts.

What kind of help?

The help should, as far as possible, be designed in cooperation with the parents, and can for example concern language, social or motor development, or guidance for kindergarten staff so they can better support the child day to day.

How the process works

  1. PPT is the expert body that assesses the need for special needs help. See PPT: educational-psychological service. You can discuss a concern anonymously before a referral.
  2. The parents' consent is required both before the expert assessment and before the help begins.
  3. The municipality has a duty to fulfil the right, prepare an expert assessment and make an individual decision.
  4. The help is free.

If you disagree with the decision

You can complain about the decision. The deadline is normally three weeks. The complaint is sent to the municipality that made the decision, and goes on to the County Governor (Statsforvalteren) if you are not granted it.

Tip: If you notice the child is struggling, for example with language, contact with other children, or motor skills, it is fine to raise it with the kindergarten early. There is no need to wait and see.

Sources

Kontaktpunkt24 gives general information, not legal advice. If you need help with your own case, contact a lawyer, a legal aid service, or the relevant authority.

This page is translated from Norwegian with the help of a language model, and may contain errors. The Norwegian version is always the authoritative one.