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It has been my pleasure to give the opening address for the 10th AIES. Thank you for your good efforts to support children with different abilities and their families, as well as to foster inclusivity in our community. As the saying goes, “it takes a village to raise a child” – I look forward to our continued journey together to provide every child with a good start in life, and to foster a more caring and inclusive society ❤

The Inclusive Preschool Workgroup report is a useful reference in our collective efforts to enhance inclusion in the early years. Scan the QR code or head to this link to find out more!

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Start by changing my Mindset.

Because if I don’t believe that I can do it, then strategies don't matter.

To begin Inclusion in Action, I can simply use S.A.F.E:

S. Start with a simple Hi!
A. Ask before assuming
F. Focus on the person's abilities
E. Enjoy the interaction

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Inclusion is looking at the children’s uniqueness and differences and finding the interest in knowing more about the children including their abilities. It is also a way of giving them opportunities to discover more about themselves which will give them a sense of belongingness.

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I'm thankful that my youngest child of 12yrs is happy to be a playmate of a hearing impaired church friend. Always having stayover helps her to be patient and learning how to communicate with her. She is also my teacher in that sense to learn how to communicate with the special child. I'm thankful to see how she's being respectful of her buddy's preferences and stepping up when the need arises to be the bridge for us to understand and respond better with the child.

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Just want to share that as a preschool teacher, i believe that at the end of the day it is always the goal for the children to be placed first. Every day is a learning experience especially if some teachers are new in handling children with special needs. You can learn a lot from them as they learn a lot from you. For the educators and caregivers, salute to you all. Together, we are one in providing a safe and happy environment for our children. SALUD!

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Inclusion- all means all, no one left behind. 

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Inclusion- all means all, no one left behind. 

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A child inviting and joining in the play with a classmate who has additional needs

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A child inviting and joining in the play with a classmate who has additional needs

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Inclusion is giving the less fortunate a chance...it will make a difference in their lives!...Nirhayu Matunus....

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Inclusion is giving the less fortunate a chance...it will make a difference in their lives!...Nirhayu Matunus....

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My Inclusion story begins with the lack of it, and which drives the motivation towards it. I was shocked one day when close relatives and friends told me that a child with ASD is the same as a child with DS or a child with ID. They did not know the difference between people in the community with needs.

At that moment, I realized our society is in grave need for inclusion. People don't  "see" and don't "hear" about people with additional needs. Hence, "Inclusion" was a vague concept, confusing, and a fairyland notion as people don't even understand who and what it is for.

There are many successful Inclusion stories that will only be heard, seen and understood by people already in the community. Inclusion can only truly begin when we expand from our circle, and reach out to start engaging others outside our circle in conversations.

A parent expressed his thanks to my team for supporting them in their child's EIPIC journey. Quoting his exact words "My wife and I now tell the people around us about our son and what its like. It is not a sickness. And we tell them EIPIC will help their child as it helped my son. It's important they know it and that's the only way we can help. To share our experiences"

The parent may as well started a ripple effect by talking about their experiences with others. And the ripple effect will continue if we all do the same - Using our voices.

Thank you!

Jesline Teo

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Little things matter when including children.  When I started out 27 years ago, I was not trained but to me then, using a non-slip placemat for a child with Celebral Palsy made such a great difference as she was able to eat with the rest of the children without accidents.  You can do it too to make a difference!

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Little things matter when including children.  When I started out 27 years ago, I was not trained but to me then, using a non-slip placemat for a child with Celebral Palsy made such a great difference as she was able to eat with the rest of the children without accidents.  You can do it too to make a difference!

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Never give up! Keep believing and brainstorming 😌❤️

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Never give up! Keep believing and brainstorming 😌❤️

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Continuing from journeying with special needs children in preschool,

By connecting with the children and building close relationships with them, the children has become much more attentive and excited as they learn as they feel safe and happy in the learning environment.

I have a child that I currently am teaching with who has ASD, who also attends EIPIC and by working together with his therapists to understand the strategies used, I was able to help him transition better into the class and with a routine developed for him in the class, he is now able to move from visual cues and cards to responding to verbal cues in mainstream school. He is able to transition very well now and is very comfortable and happy. He is given his own space within the class where he is able to look at what we are doing during lessons and when he is interested to, encouraged to participate.

By brainstorming, by using different motivations, I also managed to encourage him to join us outdoor when he was previously reluctant. And he happily joins us now without the need of any additional strategies as it is now a part of his routine. As the EIPIC teacher had also suggested to start with a simple routine, and slowly expanding it.

He is given the opportunity to express himself and often dances around the class when he is happy and excited! He is now increasingly looking to connect with his teachers and peers, which is so heartwarming to see.

Given the opportunity and the right intervention, they can thrive & slowly start to open up to others as well! Truly, it takes a village to raise a child and it has been truly wonderful to see him enjoy school.

Brainstorming to provide the right tools and environment helps tremendously! ❤️

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Inclusion is wanting to be in the environment unknowingly!

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Inclusion is wanting to be in the environment unknowingly!

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Sharing an exchange with a 6 years old (my friend's son) after a visit to Rainbow Centre (Special Education School) for an inclusive art festival (Peekaboo):

Me: Ben, how do you like the whole experience?
Ben: I love it!
Me: What do you like about it?
Ben: I like the classrooms & the things we did (the different activities that allow him to experience what the students go through @ Rainbow Centre).
Me: Glad that you had a great time!
Ben: Aunty C, do you think Mummy can register me into this school for my primary 1 next year?
Me: Well, you can tell mummy about it.
(in my mind): That's inclusion!

Having an hour or so worth of immersive experience in the specail education school environment had enabled a typical growing child to want to be enrolled into the setting. That's inclusion! :)

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My first time witnessing inclusivity in the classroom, was when I had this Girl who was non-verbal in the group. I realised others began to form relationships but tend to avoid this Girl as they could not understand her erratic behaviour.

As I began to observe and understand her more, I told the others what the Girl might want or feel, and be her voice for her, "Oh, I think she is upset that the music is over. Shall we play it again?"

One day, as the Girl was crying, the others said, "oh, I think she is upset and she might want her mummy". They were also less afraid of her and include her in their play and activity.
I realised the significantly importance in the teacher's role; especially in our words and attitude towards others. We could foster empathy and acceptance towards others in the children through modelling and genuine connections.

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Journeying with Special Needs Children in mainstream school

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Journeying with Special Needs Children in mainstream school

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As a preschool educator, it has been heartwarming and fulfilling to see that when you connect with children at their level and at their needs, you will see them connect with you and trust you. I have worked with children with different diagnosis and those who required learning support. It is important to understand and see each child as an individual and to journey with them in their progress, each child's journey is different, and each step is an opportunity for joy and celebration!

All children, no matter how different, or challenged they are, they are precious and deserve to be seen as valued! I am very glad to have an opportunity to cross paths with all the children I have taught so far and to watch them grow in their potential each in their own time!

Some children may have certain difficulties, and some may have a diagnosis but they are all deserving of love and opportunities, they deserve and yearn to be included. It is lovely to see that when you model and guide the neurotypical children to have the correct mindset towards others who may be different that they learn to accept, understand and love them for who they are. They learn to have fun with each other and understand how to connect better despite their differences.

It definitely takes a lot of effort, a lot of patience, a lot of constant adaptation of what works for each child and what doesn't, but to see them grow and thrive and learn to love life and learning and appreciate diversity, it's all worth it!

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I had 2 children in my class back then who were a little different. They were different in a way that they needed more time for themselves to do things that they were engaged in.
So more time was given to them. Some children said, "Look! why are they still doing?" "Time is up already" "

I would always say "It's okay! Child A just needs some time" "We all do things differently at our own pace right?"

Till one day, the majority of children said to remind each other that "We are all different" "We learn differently"

My heart sank so deeply. It doesn't matter how different we are. As long as we are able to understand and accept each other, that's when we learn and grow.

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We are Grow/Learn differently and that's okay ;)

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Hi there,
Inclusion is accepting with understanding and development with the needs

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Inclusion and integration is so different. Inclusion is ensuring every individual need is attended to and provisions are given to reconcile differences, while integration is just placement.

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When I handled preschoolers, I had one child (AA) who was often left behind. Nobody wants to play with her, hold her hand during routine and peers often complain saying, "She is so slow", "Why is she like that?".

I felt so sad for the child.
I asked my class,

"What will you feel when nobody play with you?"

"What do you feel when nobody wants to talk to you?"

Explained to them that AA also feel the same way as what they feel.

So, I started to talk to the children in my class and explained that child AA is part of the class and she is their friend, our friend.
I started to show them that AA is part of the class. I started to hold her hand, I started to play with her and I started to listen to her.

After explaining and modelling, children started to accept AA. They started to talk to her, join her during play and they also helped/guided her during the activities.
Because of these, AA gained confidence and eagerness to learn.

"Inclusion is learning how to understand and accept one another regardless of our difficulties. It is on how we connect or help one another grow and feel accepted."

#inclusiveenvironment
#senseofbelongingness

-Girdeth :)

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It takes a village to raise a child

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Viewing every individuals as a unique person helps me to accept inclusion in the class. Similar to all children, each of them has a certain degree of needs to cater to.

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I have got a girl in the class that is diagnose with autistic. Initially children were not able to understand why there were some 'special treatments'( attention) that the girl had and some of the children starts to mimic some behaviours that the girl had portrayed. E.g. throwing tantrum on the floor, rolling on the floor, roaming around the classroom. It was not easy to reinforce rules when we first started with this group of children as we know that children learn through observations especially when they are only 2-3 years old. However with much efforts and explanation children slowly accept the differences and also they slowly became our eyes. They helped to keep a look out for that child and shared with us on safety for that girl. They also mimics our actions and how we treated the child at certain scenarios.

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There is 'ability' in every disability; focus on the ability! 

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There is 'ability' in every disability; focus on the ability! 

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My boys were playing in a pit filled with fake sand and dinosaurs bones. There was a few children playing as well but there was a particular boy (special) who was avoided by all as he was throwing sand all around. My boys started finding dinosaurs bones for me to fix into a dinosaurs skeleton. They got that particular boy to join in finding bones for me and 3 of them had fun together. 

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My boys were playing in a pit filled with fake sand and dinosaurs bones. There was a few children playing as well but there was a particular boy (special) who was avoided by all as he was throwing sand all around. My boys started finding dinosaurs bones for me to fix into a dinosaurs skeleton. They got that particular boy to join in finding bones for me and 3 of them had fun together. 

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Where everyone is accepted for who they are. We are all different but have equal worth and value.

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It doesn't take a lot - just small ways. Smiling, nodding, acknowledging and not staring pointedly. But it makes a world of a difference.

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Thankful for therapists, teachers and fellow parents who share positive, can-do stories. The road is less lonely with such positive energy around you.

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The two years old can be so adorable and yet can test someone patient. The two years old can be teachable and yet they wanted to be independent

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the boy whose friends held his wheelchair

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the boy whose friends held his wheelchair

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I can't forget the image. This was the class walking down the aisles for our usual walks around the school. And we have a boy who uses a wheelchair, so when we call for the children to hold hands. without needing any prompt, the boy's buddy just calmly puts his hand on the armrest of the wheelchair. that was me learning about inclusion from the young child!

xoxo
Jun

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In my pre-school, we have 3 special children who needs more attention than others. Their classmates bonded so well with them with the help of the class teachers and they always look out for these three little ones! It is so heart warming to see these little ones be so kind to each other - something adults need to learn from them!
-Haven Schoolhouse@Bukit Purmei (Singapore)
-Ms. Nisa

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ITPE is about having a big heart to welcome a child of higher needs in our mainstream.
No one is left behind !
Engage the child to be part of our team and watch everyone grows to the fullest potential .
Ow BP

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I remember having a student who used to play with blocks by himself at a corner during free play. As an educator, I joined him in his play and got another friend to join in too. Slowly, his friends started approaching him during free play and included him in their play.

In another incident, I shared with his classmate why he does not always answer when she talks to him. I told her, “‘sometimes he’s thinking about something else so he doesn’t respond. You can try other methods to get his attention.” A few days later, she called his name but did not get a response. She told me, “I think he’s thinking about something.” I looked at her and smiled, “yes maybe, what can you do?” She tapped him on his shoulder and he turned to face her and replied her.

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Inclusion is accepting difference and adapting to each other in the inclusive environment.

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Inclusion is accepting difference and adapting to each other in the inclusive environment.

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My daughter has a classmate who is diagnosed with autism. She tells me, "Mummy, he cannot speak words, but he is always gentle and kind and smiles to everyone. We play blocks together. He is my bestfriend!". Often, our children teach us more than we teach them. Looking forward to a more inclusive, open-minded society.

Zainon

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It is always blessful to have your own child who is a high need. He is special in some areas and these make me even more greatful as he taught me a lot! His sisters always understand him and with that, he is progressing bit by bit. Being inclusive in a family helps them a lot! Children are being children, they want to be included in their circles. 

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It is always blessful to have your own child who is a high need. He is special in some areas and these make me even more greatful as he taught me a lot! His sisters always understand him and with that, he is progressing bit by bit. Being inclusive in a family helps them a lot! Children are being children, they want to be included in their circles. 

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#dyspraxia child
#gdd child
#submucous cleft palate

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As a preschool teacher, it is a challenging yet rewarding role to be a mainstream educator. Every child may communicate differently, but, modelling patience, understanding and resilience will mold kind individuals who will build a nation that includes all. -Marie

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I will always smile and wave to the physically disabled children who often took the van transport near my workplace. They love seeing smiles and it’s always good to be friendly to them.

If I go out and I see any of them have walking difficulty, I will let them walk first then I’ll walk behind.

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Some 20 years ago, I was begged by a mother to take in her son with ADHD as there was no other childcare centre willing to give him a chance. I took him in and my staff diligently worked on him with the help of his wonderful and committed mum. It was no easy feat but all of us persevered and soldiered on. The boy completed his degree with honors some time back. As a centre leader, I am so delighted that everyone at Bethlehem Educare Centre paved the way for this child to experience success.

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Some 20 years ago, I was begged by a mother to take in her son with ADHD as there was no other childcare centre willing to give him a chance. I took him in and my staff diligently worked on him with the help of his wonderful and committed mum. It was no easy feat but all of us persevered and soldiered on. The boy completed his degree with honors some time back. As a centre leader, I am so delighted that everyone at Bethlehem Educare Centre paved the way for this child to experience success.

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Maureen and the team at Bethany preschool are the most humble and sincere people I have worked with. They never stopped asking how they can be of help, how they can be better or change what they are doing now and all these are their everyday efforts to support every individual child and family they are a home to. huge respect!

Kayla

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In my morning commute, I always see a blind man at the bus stop. Before he could ask for help, someone will come up to him to assist him with identifying the bus that he needs to board. What warms my heart the most, is that it's a different person each day.

Syazwan

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Whatever your challenges, everyone can play a role in building a meaningful home.

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Happy to see greater awareness and efforts towards including people with differing needs.

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Inclusion is like sharing an umbrella with someone when it rains. Everyone benefits.

Wani

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Inclusion means everyone has a seat at the table.

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It's the Little Things that Add Up to a Better Society

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It's the Little Things that Add Up to a Better Society

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Thankful for my K1 son's teacher and other school staff who try. They contribute to his growth in every little way even though he is currently non-verbal and has autism. School's enjoyable for him and he's pretty much almost independent in the school's routine. We convey his Eipic teachers' feedback to his preschool teacher and she tries to implement them in class, and educates his classmates on how he communicates (PECS), and why he does/doesn't do certain things.

- Ilhan

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My nonverbal nephew enjoys communicating with his friends using the PECS template, thank you for being inclusive!

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Woohoo Lee Ting! Very mighty indeed! Look forward to your sharing on 19th March 

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Woohoo Lee Ting! Very mighty indeed! Look forward to your sharing on 19th March 

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He doesn't communicate with words, but when he holds up his hands to me to play pat-a-cake, and smiles the widest smiles when we do it, we still connect. Smiling, lowering myself to his level, acknowledging his attempts - small ways I try everyday to engage him.

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I- I want to be the change agent
N- never exclude anyone
C- Collaborate with others
L- Look out for the needs
U -Unity is the key
S - Sharing is caring
I - Independent style does not fit
O- Off the old mindset & switch on the changed mindset
N - Never alone in this, together we have it all
-ICB-

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S loves books, although he is non-verbal. In school, he will point to "Books" on the wall chart, and his friends will exclaim excitedly, "Teacher, let's read a book together!" Often, it's the highlight of his day in school - discovering new stories, or reliving the same tales with his friends. And it's the highlight of his friends' day, as they are able to communicate, even when no words were exchanged.

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to my 3musketeers! (you know who you are)

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to my 3musketeers! (you know who you are)

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dear 3musketeers, although we work in different SSAs. I love that we have fun together and also share our pains/gains together for the benefit of the families and children we support. To me, thats including, and benefiting all. Thank you for the teaching, learning and sharing!

Tan

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Inclusion is a mindset.