Special education schools are set to reopen from February 11th with 50% capacity, with special classes to follow later in the month.
It follows an agreement between the Government and unions.
An attempt to reopen special schools was made last month, but the plans were scrapped after unions rejected it.
A union representing special needs assistants says it will support new Department of Education proposals on the return of special education.
Forsa says the revised plan, which includes increased safety measures, will see special schools reopen from February 11th.
Special classes in other schools would resume 11 days later on the 22nd.
Education Minister Norma Foley said: “It is hugely positive we now have a concrete plan in place to support these children to return to in-person schooling, in line with public health advice.
“I want to thank everyone who has engaged in this process, from the very beginning, to reach a solution and to meet the needs of these children.
“It is regrettable that a pathway for a return to in-class learning for children with additional needs in mainstream schools could not be reached but we will continue to work with our partners to provide a resolution for this cohort of pupils."
Meanwhile, Government Ministers are meeting this evening to consider the fate of this year's Leaving Cert.
They're examining a model that would include written exams as well as an element of predictive grading.
Teaching unions have called for a full holding of traditional exams including practicals and orals.
