Financing - Greece

Public schools are funded exclusively by the Greek State. The annual budget of the Ministry of National Education and Religious Affairs provides funds to the education local authorities according to their needs. The Directors of the local education authorities undertake the handling of those funds and their proper allocation to the schools. They also cover the extra costs of the educational demands of the schools in their area. 
In addition special schools and integrated classes are included in the public school system and are funded by the Greek State. Students are provided government-funded supporting services according to their diagnosis, assessment and IEPs. This procedure, if necessary, may start at pre-school education. The Ministry of Education funds all special schools and also special educational settings. Special supporting services, usually founded by parent's association with SEN or by people with disabilities, are funded by their founders, the government, and the European programmes.

Early years education

Families with children below 4 years with SEN can cover the expenses of all necessary supportive programmes via their social insurance. Pre-school aged children with SEN (4-7 years old) are provided free special education coupled with supporting services by the Ministry of Education.

Compulsory schooling

The Ministry of Education has funded a number of international programs and courses for pupils with SEN in all educational settings (mainstream and special schools). Pupils (aged 4 up to 22) with SEN receive free education, independent of what educational setting is attended, e.g. in mainstream schools, in integration educational settings and special schools. All the appropriate supporting measures and services are also provided free at schools. Appropriate supporting measures can be characterised as: "planning and implementation of special programs and didactic methods, educational material, devices and equipment and any other appropriate facilitative and ergonomic arrangement." Appropriate supporting services are: "diagnosis of special educational needs, assessment, pedagogical, social and psychological support, physiotherapy, speech therapy, counselling, transportation, measures or services which had the orientation of equality regarding people with special needs" (paragraph 1, article 1, L. 2817/2000).      

Transition period 

People with disabilities are funded from services of the social welfare during their transition period. Government also aims at financing the employers who offer full or part time jobs to people with disabilities. The co-financing of Greek government with the European Union, provides people with disabilities the economical basis to develop their enterprising skills.