Pedagogical Assistance Service System in Hungary

Abstract

By the end of the 20th century, a new institution of public education had been established in Hungary. The aim of this institution has become to identify and provide care for children and pupils with various integration, learning and behavioural problems, and later for particularly talented children. The support provided by these organisations are targeted at children, as well as parents, teachers and institutions. The specialised educational services include diagnostic, therapeutic, counselling and coordinating activities for the target population. Although it is part of the public education system, it differs prominently from other educational institutions, such as kindergartens and schools, in terms of its organisation, structure, pedagogical methods and support system. It has a specific set of objectives and tasks, carried out by teachers with a particular expertise (Mile 2019). The current study presents the unique Hungarian pedagogical assistance services.