Early Intervention

This is a small daily programme which will take children from the age of 3 years to 7 years and provide an intensive approach to learning that is tailored to the child’s individual needs. Those children who have developmental needs can have access to intensive Physiotherapy, Occupational Therapy and Speech Therapy and individual learning support in between their regular classes. The children attend ATOC until they are prepared to attend a regular kindergarten or International School.

The curriculum is based on a step by step approach to the attainment of foundation skills which prepare the child for social, emotional and academic success.

The success of the daily programme comes from a commitment to small groups and a high staff ratio. The hand picked staff not only have experience in special needs but also a commitment to the child, an ability to be flexible and to change their approach or the resources based on the criteria of success in the objectives that have been set. In-service training is both rigorus and regular. The Teacher will plan for their group of children and also follow an Individual Educational plan (I.E.P.). In the young child the plan follows a developmental approach.

In the three to four year age group the focus is the child’s development and supporting the foundation skills within a naturalized environment, providing an integrated approach between teaching and therapy. Themes are used to ensure that there is a planned approach to language and concept acquisition and while using music art and science to stimulate the child’s interest and building of knowledge through enjoyable concrete experiences. There is a structured approach to developing physical skills in the areas of locomotion, fitness, balance, visual motor skills and physical strength.

Mathematical development can start young in not only numerical ability and the operation of numbers but in developing the important spatial, language and visual skills (observing patterns, similarities/differences) which underpins the concepts and allows for understanding at the concrete level.

In the 5-7 year old child the English National Curriculum is used and adapted to ensure that the child has developed the ability to understand, speak, read and write to their potential and has followed a rigorous language, Literacy and math’s course using a spiral approach to subjects so that are repeated as necessary.

There is differentiation of teaching dependent on the child’s level of ability. Special resources are used to develop learning ability and careful use of the computer is integrated into the curriculum. Children are motivated to learn with a stimulating multi sensory approach and a rigorously planned curriculum.

Talking software also provides a clear link with print and language. Emphasis is placed on the ability to learn effectively and on developing reading comprehension and mathematics as important core skills. However Art, Science, P.E. and Music are all important at providing experiences and opportunities so that the child can experience success and develop in the different areas of intelligence.

Computers motivate children to learn and to use specialized software that modifies a child’s environment so that they can learn more readily. The I.T. revolution has made learning accessible in different formats. Fast Forward from scientific learning is a language and reading programme which is extremely successful