The Importance Of Finding The Right School To Support Early Intervention Therapy

Early intervention therapy is a critical step in supporting children with developmental delays. However, success isn’t just down to what occurs in the home or therapy sessions. Schooling is critical too.

The Role of Inclusive Education

Essentially, what a child who is on an ABA early intervention program needs is a school that can support inclusive education. Inclusive education is not just a philosophy but a practical approach to teaching that acknowledges the diverse needs of all students, including those with developmental challenges. It’s about creating a learning environment that is adaptable and accommodating, ensuring that every child has access to the curriculum in a way that is meaningful to them. Inclusive education seeks to break down barriers to learning, providing equal opportunities for all students, regardless of their developmental stage. This approach is based on the belief that all children can learn and benefit from being educated alongside their peers.

Inclusive schools are designed to support a diverse student body by employing flexible teaching methods and offering a range of support services. Teachers in these schools are trained to differentiate instruction, which means they can tailor their teaching strategies to meet the individual needs of each student. This might involve using visual aids, hands-on activities, or assistive technology to help children with developmental delays access the curriculum.

Why the Right School Matters

1. Continuity of Care: A school that aligns with the principles of early intervention therapy ensures that the child continues to receive consistent support, making the transition smoother and less disruptive. This continuity is vital because it helps maintain the progress made during early intervention by supporting the generalization of learned skills into the educational environment. When children move from one supportive environment to another, they are more likely to feel secure and confident, which can significantly enhance their ability to learn and develop.
2. Building on Progress: The right school doesn’t just maintain the status quo; it actively works to build on the achievements of early intervention, setting new goals and milestones for the child. Teachers in these schools are committed to ongoing evaluation and individualised education plans, which are tailored to the specific needs and strengths of each student. These plans are regularly reviewed and updated to ensure that the child continues to make progress.
3. Social Integration: Inclusive schools foster a sense of belonging. They provide opportunities for children with developmental delays to interact and learn alongside their peers, which is essential for social development. Social integration is crucial because it helps children develop communication skills, build friendships, and learn appropriate social behaviours. Being part of a diverse classroom also teaches all students about empathy, tolerance, and cooperation.
4. Specialised Resources: Schools equipped to support early intervention often have access to specialised resources and staff trained in delivering tailored educational strategies. This might include speech and language therapists, occupational therapists, behaviour analysts and behaviour support practitioners, and special education teachers who work collaboratively to support the child’s development. Access to these resources ensures that children receive the comprehensive support they need to thrive academically and socially.
5. Family Engagement: These schools understand the importance of involving families in the educational process, ensuring that parents are active partners in their child’s development. Family engagement is a key component of successful early intervention and inclusive education. Schools that prioritise family involvement provide regular communication, offer parent training and support groups, and encourage parents to participate in decision-making processes related to their child’s education.

The Impact on Long-Term Success

The benefits of finding the right educational setting extend far beyond the classroom walls. Children who are supported in an inclusive environment are more likely to develop the skills they need to succeed in later stages of education and into adulthood. They are given the tools to overcome challenges, the confidence to pursue their goals, and the foundation to become independent learners.

Finally, what’s important is not just that you find the right school, but that your child’s educators, your family life, and the work that your therapist does are all in alignment. There’s an important element of collaboration in selecting the right school for your child, and this can involve close interactions with the teachers and other faculty staff to ensure that everyone is on the best page and understands the processes and goals of the therapy plan.

Lizard Centre can assist with this collaboration and ensuring that your child gets a cohesive and consistent standard of care across all interactions that they have. Contact us today to discuss.