All children want to be included, both at home and at school. This is especially true of students with disabilities who have a legal right to be included in all aspects of the education system.
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Inclusion has a positive impact on cognitive and social development but Singapore can sometimes lag behind when it comes to creating an inclusive and caring community for kids with learning disabilities or special needs.
So what can we do to change this? We spoke to Jayne Nadarajoo, the Founding Director of Melbourne Specialist International School and a Great Women Of Our Time alumni, to give us some pointers:
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“Children are not a number but an individual. We need to know what each child needs and help them grow in confidence. Help them engage and be part of a larger community.”
“No learning takes place without a significant relationship as children don’t learn when they are with people they do not connect with. We need to help all children not be afraid to take risks and think as every child needs a champion, someone who will never give up on them and help them become the best that they can be.”
“A sense of belonging is a fundamental human need and helps children have a good sense of belonging. They need a safe space where people will support, accept, respect and care for them.”
“Children will feel comfortable and will be more confident being part of a community. When a child feels a strong sense of belonging and positive relationships it builds protective mental health factors as well.”
“Educators need to plan carefully for physical environment and relationships. Our goal is to ensure that all children end up with a good sense of belonging and feel part of a community. This is one of the reasons why all White Lodge International Preschools & Childcare offer inclusive learning as we believe that all children deserve an equal right to education.”