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School Readiness Programme Services in Singapore
The school readiness programme (SRP) is a personalised intervention designed to help children with unique learning and behavioural challenges transition smoothly into structured schooling. This programme combines therapy sessions with evidence-based approaches to support the development of children with special needs, ensuring they are prepared for all aspects of school life.
Programme Structure
At Exploring Mates, our school readiness programme is designed to empower children with developmental delays and learning difficulties, enabling them to seamlessly transition into mainstream schools. We achieve this through a comprehensive approach that focuses on key developmental areas:
- Communication (Speech and Language): We foster the child’s communication skills through speech therapy and language support interventions. Our focus areas include articulation, expressive and receptive language development, and social communication skills.
- Sensory Integration and Motor Skills: We address physical, sensory, and cognitive needs by carrying out age-appropriate activities that promote sensory play, fine and gross motor skill development, and coordination.
- Self-Awareness and Social Skills Training: We teach appropriate behaviours for various settings, fostering emotional regulation, positive interactions, conflict resolution, and classroom etiquette. This is conducted through group sessions with peers, offering opportunities to practise and refine social skills in a supportive environment.
- Play Therapy: We create a safe space for free play, promoting emotional healing and growth. With play therapy, we ensure an environment where children express themselves, process emotions, and develop coping strategies.
- Literacy: We foster critical literacy skills such as listening, reading, comprehension, and communication. Our focus areas include phonemic awareness, reading fluency, vocabulary development, and clear writing.
- Numeracy: We introduce fundamental maths concepts through engaging, hands-on activities. The skills we aim to develop include counting, number recognition, sorting, ordering, time, measurement, and money handling.
Sessions
Sessions in our school readiness programme are carefully planned to ensure that each child receives the support and guidance they need to succeed. Typically, the frequency and duration of sessions will depend on the child’s specific learning needs. Additionally, sessions are a blend of individual and group activities, allowing children to benefit from personalised attention while also learning to interact with peers.
Benefits of School Readiness Programme
Signing your child up for a school readiness programme offers numerous benefits that can impact their early education experience. Here are some of the key advantages of this early intervention programme:
Developing Children’s Foundational Academic Skills
Our school readiness programme focuses on building essential academic skills in areas like literacy and numeracy, which are critical for early school success. Through targeted activities and personalised instruction, we help children develop foundational skills that can help them on their academic journey.
Building Confidence for School Environment
Starting school can be a daunting experience for many children, especially children with developmental challenges and learning needs. As such, our school readiness programme is designed to boost their confidence by familiarising them with the structure and expectations of a school environment. This could help with increasing their confidence so that they can approach their first day of school with excitement rather than anxiety.
Providing Early Identification of Learning Needs
Early identification of learning challenges is key to ensuring that children receive the support they need. Our programme includes regular assessments that help identify any potential learning difficulties or developmental delays early on, allowing for timely intervention and support.
Preparing Children for Group Learning Dynamics
Learning to work in a group setting is an essential skill for school. Our programme teaches children with special needs how to interact with peers, share resources, and participate in group activities. This can help in laying the groundwork for positive social interactions and teamwork in future school activities.
Who Should Attend a School Readiness Programme?
Our school readiness programme is ideal for a wide range of children, particularly those who need additional support to ensure a smooth transition. These include:
Children Approaching School Age
Children who are about to enter school could benefit from a structured programme that prepares them for the academic and social demands of a school environment. Our programme helps these children develop the skills and confidence they need to start school on the right foot.
Kids with Limited Preschool Experience
For children who have had little or no preschool experience, our school readiness programme could provide an essential foundation. It introduces them to the routines, structures, and expectations of a school setting, helping them adjust easily when they begin formal education.
Children Needing Social Skill Development
Some children may need additional help developing social skills such as sharing, cooperation, and communication. That’s why our programme includes activities designed to foster these skills, ensuring that children are ready to interact positively with their peers in a school setting.
Kids with Behavioural Difficulties
A school readiness programme could help children with behavioural challenges develop the skills necessary to manage their behaviour in a structured environment. Our programme provides strategies and support for learning how to focus, following instructions, and participating in group activities.
Children with Speech and Language Challenges
For children who struggle with speech and language issues, our programme offers targeted support to improve communication skills. This helps ensure that they can express themselves effectively and participate fully in classroom activities.
Kids Struggling with Attention and Focus
Children who have difficulty with attention and focus may struggle in a traditional classroom setting. Our programme provides strategies that could help them stay engaged in learning activities so that they can be prepared for the demands of school.
Frequently Asked Questions on School Readiness Programme Services in Singapore
School readiness programmes are designed for children of various ages, but early intervention is key. By starting early, children can build the foundational skills necessary for success in a structured school environment, allowing them to transition smoothly and confidently.
The duration of a school readiness programme can vary depending on the child’s unique needs, developmental progress, and specific learning goals. For some children, a shorter, intensive programme may be sufficient to prepare them for school, while others may benefit from a longer duration to fully develop the necessary skills.
The programme’s length is often tailored to ensure that each child gains the confidence, academic readiness, and social skills needed to integrate smoothly in a formal school environment.
Yes, our school readiness programme is customised to meet each child’s unique needs. We start with a comprehensive assessment to identify the child’s strengths and areas for improvement, and then develop a personalised plan that targets their specific requirements.
If the child is also receiving autism therapy or other interventions, we collaborate with those professionals to ensure a cohesive and integrated approach to their development. Should your child need guidance during the school year, we also have shadow teachers that can help support them.
Our programme uses a variety of educational materials and resources, including interactive games, books, and hands-on activities, to engage children and enhance their learning experience. These tools are selected to support the development of both academic and social skills.
Yes, children with language barriers are welcome in our school readiness programme. We provide specialised support to help them address these challenges, ensuring they can participate and benefit from the programme. Our professionals are experienced in working with children who have diverse language needs, aiding in the development of their communication skills as they transition into a formal school setting.