600 more spots to be added to programme that helps preschoolers with developmental needs

Key Concepts:

• Inclusive Support Program (INSP)
• Developmental Needs
• Early Intervention
• Co-planning and Co-teaching
• Evidence-based Practices
• Inclusive Setting
• Station Teaching
• Models of Co-teaching

Expansion of Preschool Program for Children with Developmental Needs

The government is expanding a preschool program by 600 spots to support children with developmental needs, building on the success of a three-year pilot program that supported 150 preschoolers.

Impact of the Inclusive Support Program (INSP)

• Positive Outcomes: A parent testified that INSP significantly improved her son's academic and emotional progress. Before the program, he struggled with speech, social interaction, and managing meltdowns. After attending INSP, he can socialize better, pay attention in class, and express his needs and emotions clearly.
• Academic and Social Gains: The pilot study revealed that children needing moderate early intervention made substantial developmental gains, closing the gap with their peers in language, thinking, and daily skills.
• Inclusive Benefits: Classmates in the inclusive setting also thrived, often exceeding age milestones. Typically developing children were three times more likely to include peers with developmental needs, fostering friendships.

Methodology and Support Strategies

• Early Intervention Educators: These educators observe preschoolers and suggest ways to support their needs, ranging from creating calming spaces to introducing adapted tools like specialized scissors.
• Co-planning and Co-teaching Sessions: These sessions involve in-depth discussions between educators to determine how to use specific tools and strategies, such as station teaching and different models of co-teaching. The goal is to align classroom objectives with the most suitable co-teaching approach to support all children.
• Specific Strategies: The program utilizes strategies like station teaching and various co-teaching models to cater to diverse learning needs.

Study Findings and Data

• The pilot study demonstrated that children requiring moderate early intervention showed significant developmental improvements.
• The study also found that typically developing children were three times more likely to include peers with developmental needs in an inclusive setting.

Government Commitment and Future Plans

• Minister's Statement: Social and Family Development Minister Masagago Zuki announced the expansion in a pre-recorded speech, emphasizing the program's role in adapting to the diverse needs of children and embracing evidence-based practices.
• Continuous Evaluation: The next phase will allow for continual evaluation and refinement of the approach while building capabilities in the sector.
• Sector Upliftment: INSP is presented as an example of how preschools are adapting to the diverse needs of children and embracing evidence-based practices to serve them better, ensuring every child receives the support they need to thrive.

New Tools for Educators

• New tools for educators were launched at the conference to improve their teaching skills and help them design effective learning experiences.

Conclusion

The expansion of the preschool program signifies a commitment to inclusive education and early intervention for children with developmental needs. The INSP program has demonstrated positive outcomes in helping children catch up to their peers and fostering inclusive environments where all children can thrive. The government's focus on evidence-based practices and continuous evaluation aims to further enhance the quality of early childhood education and support the diverse needs of all children.