The Growing Role of Family Engagement in Special Education in Cambodia

As Cambodia continues to see a growing need for inclusive and effective special education, one of the most impactful—and sometimes overlooked—factors in a child’s development is parental and family involvement. This shift is especially evident in Phnom Penh, where centers like OrbRom Center are at the forefront of creating personalized programs that actively involve parents in their child’s educational journey.

The photo shared perfectly illustrates the essence of what matters most in special education—connection, support, and presence. At its heart, special education is not just about what happens in the classroom or therapy room. It’s about creating a system where the school, the student, and the family work together as a team.

A Growing Emphasis on Family-Centered Support

As the number of children diagnosed with developmental delays, learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorder (ASD), and ADHD rises, so does the need for structured support systems. This growing need highlights the importance of designing school programs that are not only academically appropriate but also emotionally and socially inclusive.

In Phnom Penh, OrbRom Center integrates families as active participants in each child’s development plan. Parents are not just spectators—they’re collaborators. They are guided on how to support learning at home and how to reinforce goals set during individualized sessions.

Why Parental Involvement in Special Education Matters

1. Reinforcement of Skills at Home
   Children with special needs often benefit from repetition and consistency. When families understand what is being taught in school or during therapy, they can help reinforce those skills at home. This strengthens learning and makes progress more sustainable.

2. Building a Consistent Environment
   Consistency between home and school environments reduces confusion and anxiety. Whether it’s using the same visual schedules, behavior supports, or communication systems, children thrive when there’s continuity.

3. Empowering Parents as Advocates
   With proper training and guidance, parents can become powerful advocates for their children. When parents understand how to communicate with educators, track progress, and ask the right questions, they help ensure their child’s rights and needs are met effectively.

The OrbRom Approach to Family Involvement

At OrbRom Center, we believe special education must be a collaborative effort. For example, our Preschool Program is designed with the whole child and family in mind. Each child receives a customized plan, and families are invited to participate in sessions, receive training, and attend regular progress meetings.

We also offer Special Needs Intensive Intervention programs that include structured parent coaching. This way, caregivers learn how to manage behaviors, support communication development, and build stronger emotional connections with their children.

One powerful element of our model is one-on-one instruction. These focused sessions allow us to truly personalize learning while also involving parents through observation, goal setting, and at-home follow-ups.

A Message to Parents in Phnom Penh

If you’re a parent in Phnom Penh and you feel unsure or overwhelmed, you’re not alone. There are growing resources available—and more importantly, you are a vital part of your child’s learning journey. The more involved you are, the more your child will benefit from school and therapy interventions.

You don’t need to be an expert; you just need to be present. At OrbRom Center, we’re here to guide and empower you every step of the way.

Final Thoughts

As Cambodia’s population of children with special needs continues to grow, our systems must evolve to support them. That includes more than just educational programs—it includes empowering families to take an active role in their child’s progress.

In Phnom Penh, OrbRom Center remains committed to a special education model that values family, embraces individualized instruction, and supports each child in reaching their full potential.