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Shadow Support from Teachers Services in Singapore
Exploring Mates has dedicated shadow teachers who are committed to helping students with developmental and learning challenges integrate into their classroom setting. Our shadow teachers provide one-on-one support tailored to each child’s unique requirements, ensuring they receive assistance in navigating the challenges they face in the educational environment. By closely collaborating with parents, teachers, and other professionals, we create a cohesive support network that addresses the child’s academic, social, and emotional needs
Programme Structure
Our shadow support programme is designed to meet the needs of children facing a variety of learning and developmental challenges, from those receiving autism therapy to those struggling with focus in school.
The strength of our programme lies in its structured approach, as it ensures comprehensive support for each student’s specific needs, seamlessly integrating early intervention into their educational journey:
- Assessment – We begin with a thorough assessment of the student’s strengths, areas of improvement, learning style, and specific needs. This process provides a clear understanding of their situation in school and involves gathering input from teachers, parents, and other professionals who work closely with the student.
- Individualised Education Plan (IEP) – Based on the assessment, we create an Individualised Education Plan (IEP) that outlines specific goals, accommodations, and support strategies tailored to the student’s needs. This IEP serves as a roadmap for the shadow teacher, school staff, and other members of the educational team, ensuring a coordinated approach to the student’s learning.
- Collaboration and Communication – Regular meetings are held between parents, shadow teachers, school staff, and other professionals involved in the student’s care. These meetings focus on sharing insights, progress updates, and any adjustments needed to maintain a supportive and consistent learning environment.
- Monitoring and Evaluation – Continuous monitoring and evaluation are key to our approach. Regular feedback is collected from school teachers, parents, and the child, allowing us to identify areas for improvement and adjust strategies as needed to meet the student’s evolving needs.
Sessions
Sessions with our shadow teachers are structured to ensure that your child receives consistent and focused support. The frequency and duration of these sessions will depend on the following:
- Parents’ concern
- Feedback and concern from school teachers
- The level of support the child needs in a school environment
- Recommendations from the therapist after first observation and debrief with parents
Benefits of Getting Shadow Support from Teachers
These are the advantages of working with a shadow teacher to help with the student’s early childhood intervention:
Providing Enhanced Individualised Attention
Shadow teachers offer one-on-one support tailored to the student’s specific needs. This individualised attention ensures that they receive the guidance necessary to understand classroom material, stay on task, and engage in school activities. By focusing on their unique strengths and challenges, shadow teachers can provide the targeted support that is often challenging in a typical classroom setting, helping these children make steady progress.
Helping with Your Children’s Academic Performance
With the help of a shadow teacher, students with developmental delays and other special learning needs can navigate academic challenges and build confidence in the classroom. Shadow teachers work directly with the student to provide targeted instruction, assist with organisation and time management, as well as provide individualised learning strategies that align with their needs.
Developing Children’s Social and Emotional Skills
Beyond academics, shadow teachers play a crucial role in fostering the social and emotional development of students with behavioural challenges. They assist these students in navigating social interactions, understanding social cues, and building meaningful relationships with peers. By providing guidance in managing emotions and behaviours, shadow teachers aid in the development of essential life skills that could help students both inside and outside the classroom.
Managing Behavioural Challenges
Children with behavioural challenges often struggle to adapt to the structured environment of a classroom. Shadow teachers are equipped with strategies to help address these challenges and potentially motivate the student to participate in class. By providing consistent support and implementing behaviour management techniques, shadow teachers could create a conducive learning environment for not only the student but also their classmates and teachers.
Who Should Receive Shadow Support from Teachers in Singapore?
Shadow support from teachers is a valuable resource for students who need special assistance in school. Here are some common profiles of children who may benefit from shadow support:
Children with Behavioural Challenges
Children who exhibit behavioural challenges, such as difficulty following instructions, impulsivity, or aggression, can benefit from shadow support. A shadow teacher can provide consistent guidance to help manage these behaviours, teaching the child how to navigate the classroom environment in a positive way.
Students Needing Extra Academic Assistance
Students who struggle academically due to learning disabilities can receive the extra help they need through shadow support. With personalised attention, the could develop the essential skills to keep up with their lessons amidst their learning challenges.
Individuals Requiring Support for Social Skills
For children who find it difficult to make friends, understand social cues, or engage in group activities, shadow support can be beneficial. Shadow teachers assist these children in developing crucial social skills, such as communication, cooperation, and empathy. By guiding them through social interactions and modelling appropriate behaviours, shadow teachers could help these children develop the confidence in building lasting relationships.
Children with Medical or Physical Conditions Affecting Learning
Whether the child requires help with mobility, needs accommodations for medical treatments, or faces challenges related to a physical disability, a shadow teacher can provide the necessary support. This ensures that the child can participate in classroom activities and receive the education they deserve.
Students Struggling with Language or Communication Barriers
Students receiving language or speech therapy often find traditional classroom environments particularly challenging. A shadow teacher can provide targeted support to complement their existing speech and language interventions, helping them understand instructions better, participate in discussions, and express themselves effectively.
Frequently Asked Questions on Shadow Teacher in Singapore
When searching for a shadow teacher, it’s important to ensure they meet the following qualifications:
- A bachelor’s or master’s degree in psychology, or a bachelor’s degree in education with a specialisation in shadow teaching.
- Experience working with children with special needs.
- Strong communication skills to effectively share the child’s progress with both parents and teachers.
- Patience and the ability to build a positive rapport with children.
A shadow teacher works one-on-one with a specific student, providing individualised support tailored to their unique needs. Their focus is on aiding the child for school readiness and integrating smoothly into the classroom. In contrast, a classroom assistant typically supports the teacher with general classroom management and activities, assisting all students rather than focusing on just one.
The duration of shadow teacher support varies depending on the child’s individual needs and progress. Some children may require support for a few months, while others may need it for several years. Regular evaluations and collaboration with the child’s educational team help determine the appropriate duration.
Yes, shadow teachers are trained to address both academic and behavioural challenges. They implement strategies to support the student’s learning, manage challenging behaviours, and promote positive social interactions in the classroom.
Typically, shadow teachers work exclusively with one student at a time. This dedicated one-on-one support enables them to provide the focused, personalised attention necessary to address the student’s unique needs and foster their successful integration into the mainstream classroom environment.