When concerns arise about your child’s development, knowing where to turn and how to access support can make all the difference. In Israel, developmental services and support are generally provided through two main systems: the Kupot Cholim (Maccabi, Meuchedet, Leumit, and Clalit) and the Ministry of Education (Misrad HaChinuch)
Understanding the Two Main Systems
1. Kupat Cholim / Hitpatchut HaYeled
Each Kupah provides child development services through Hitpatchut HaYeled (Child Development Services). The process generally begins with a referral from your pediatrician and is available from birth through approximately age 9.
Services may include evaluations and ongoing treatment in occupational therapy, speech therapy, and physical therapy, as well as psychological assessments and parent guidance sessions (“hadrachat horim”) with social workers.
Evaluations completed through Hitpatchut HaYeled help determine what services your child needs and whether additional support or a specialized educational setting should be considered.
2. Misrad HaChinuch (Ministry of Education)
From around age 3, children may also receive support through the educational system. This may include therapies and additional support within a mainstream gan or school, or placement in a specialized educational setting. Eligibility for these services is determined through a Va’adat Zakaut Ve’Ifyun (ועדת זכאות ואפיון – Eligibility Committee).
For children under age 3 with significant developmental delays or disabilities, specialized daycare settings (Ma'onot Yom Shikumi'im) may be available through the Ministry of Welfare (Misrad HaRevacha).
Where Do I Start?
Step 1: Recognize a Need
You, your child’s ganenet/teacher, or another professional may notice concerns related to speech and language, motor development, behavior, attention, social skills, or other areas of development.
Step 2: Begin with Hitpatchut HaYeled
Make an appointment with your pediatrician and discuss your concerns. If appropriate, your pediatrician can provide a referral to Hitpatchut HaYeled.
You will generally be asked to submit several documents through your Kupah’s website or app, which may include:
A parent questionnaire
A ganenet/teacher questionnaire
Your doctor’s referral
A hearing or vision test, depending on the area of concern
Once the paperwork is submitted, the team at Hitpatchut HaYeled will review the information and determine which evaluation(s) your child may need.
Start this process early. Wait times vary by Kupah and location and can sometimes be several months.
Step 3: Undergo Evaluation(s)
Depending on your child’s needs, occupational therapy, speech therapy, or physical therapy evaluations may be recommended to assess specific areas of development.
Following an initial evaluation, a more specialized assessment may be recommended for concerns related to ADHD, autism, or developmental delays. This may involve a developmental pediatrician or psychologist. Social workers may also be recommended for parent guidance sessions (‘hadrachat horim’).
These services are provided by professionals within Hitpatchut HaYeled.
Step 4: Begin Therapy Through the Kupah
If your child is eligible for therapy, services may be provided by Kupah-employed occupational therapists, physical therapists, speech therapists, or social workers.
In some circumstances, services may also be provided by approved private therapists with partial reimbursement from the Kupah. Availability and reimbursement policies vary between Kupot and tier levels.
Coverage for emotional therapies may also vary by Kupah, provider, and insurance tier.
What If My Child Needs Support in Gan or School?
If your child may need additional educational support or a specialized educational setting, they may be referred to a Va’adat Zakaut Ve’Ifyun (ועדת זכאות ואפיון – Eligibility Committee).
The referral process may be initiated by your child’s gan or school, or parents can request a committee directly. Requests for the following school year generally need to be submitted by March 31.
The committee determines whether the child is eligible for special education services and the level of support they may receive. Depending on the child’s needs, this may include:
An individualized package of support within a mainstream educational setting (Sal Ishi)
Placement in a specialized educational framework
An Important Note About Evaluations
It is generally recommended to begin the evaluation process through the Kupah, as evaluations completed through the public system are more readily recognized when determining eligibility and educational placement.
Private evaluations may also be accepted, particularly when completed by an approved provider. For this reason, even if you are considering a private evaluation, it is worthwhile to begin the evaluation process through Hitpatchut HaYeled as early as possible.
Types of Special Education Ganim
Depending on a child’s needs and eligibility, several types of specialized gan settings may be available.
Gan Tikshoret (Communication Gan)
A small, specialized setting for children with a formal autism diagnosis. The gan includes therapeutic services and staff trained to support children with autism.
Gan Safa (Speech and Language Gan)
A specialized setting for children with speech and language delays, with an emphasis on language development.
Other specialized settings, such as Gan Ikuv Hitpatchuti (Developmental Delay Gan) and Gan Tazpit (Observation Gan), may be available for children with developmental, language, or emotional needs. The specific frameworks and terminology available vary by municipality
Therapy Through the Kupah vs. the Education System
Children in special education settings generally receive relevant therapies within their educational setting.
Children attending mainstream gan or school who are found eligible for additional support may receive therapies, educational support, or assistance through an individualized support package (Sal Ishi). In most cases, the same therapy is not provided simultaneously through both the Kupah and the special education system.
A Few Things to Keep in Mind
Start early. Kupah evaluations can have long wait times, so begin the Hitpatchut HaYeled process as soon as concerns arise.
If you anticipate that your child may need educational support or specialized placement for the following year, begin gathering evaluations and information well before the March deadline.
Mid-year placements and availability of services may vary by municipality and available space.
Processes, eligibility requirements, and available services can vary depending on the child, Kupah, municipality, and educational setting.
·Depending on your child’s diagnosis and level of need, they may be eligible for a Gimlat Yeled Neche (Disabled Child Allowance) through Bituach Leumi. Eligibility varies, so it is worth checking what benefits may apply to your child.
Summary
Getting support in Israel may involve navigating both the health (Kupah) and education (Misrad HaChinuch) systems. Understanding how they work and starting early can help ensure your child receives the services they need to thrive!
Disclaimer: The information in this guide was gathered from government resources, professional experience, and information provided by Kupah clinic therapists and parents. Procedures, eligibility requirements, and services are subject to change. This guide is intended as general information and is not binding.
Aviva (Vivi) Kesselman is an occupational therapist and co-founder of OPS Therapy Israel, a network connecting English-speaking families in Israel with OTs, PTs, SLPs, and dietitians. She can be reached at opstherapyisrael@gmail.com
