Are you a parent of a teen or young adult with special needs?
Do you want your child to live independently or transition to the workplace successfully?
Choosing the right special needs school is a critical step toward achieving this goal.
However, with so many options available in Singapore, the decision can be overwhelming. To help you make an informed choice, here are 5 key factors to consider before choosing any special needs school in Singapore:
Low Teacher to Student Ratio
As a parent, you may have concerns about the level of support and attention your child will receive in a special needs school. One of the most important factors to consider when choosing a special needs school is the teacher-to-student ratio. In a smaller class size, your child will be able to receive more individual attention and support from their teachers, leading to easier transition and overall success.
Individualised Learning Plan
You may also worry about whether the school will provide your child with an individualized learning plan tailored to their unique strengths, challenges, and learning style. Every student has different learning needs, and an excellent special needs school will recognise this. This type of plan will ensure that your child receives the support and resources needed to succeed.
Differentiated Teaching Catering to Different Learning Styles
Another important consideration is differentiated instructions, which cater to different learning styles. Every child learns differently, and the right teaching methods and resources can help your child to better engage with their learning and feel more confident in their abilities.
Specialist Support
You may also be concerned about your child’s access to specialist support services.Specialist support is crucial for students with special needs. Whether it’s occupational therapy, speech therapy, or behavioural support, an excellent special needs school will have a range of specialists available to support your child’s development. Having access to these services within the school can save parents time and provide a more integrated approach to support.
Life Skills, Community Living Skills, Social Skills and Vocational Skills
Finally, transitioning to adulthood can be a challenging prospect for any young person, but it can be more so for those with special needs. A good special needs school will equip students with life skills, community living skills, and vocational skills to help them transition to the workplace, structured workplace, independent living, or living with support. This can include job training, social skills development, and practical skills such as budgeting, cooking, and community awareness.
Parting Thoughts
At the end of the day, we all want you to have the best possible education and support for your child.
If you are currently looking for a special needs school in Singapore, we welcome you to fill in the enquiry form on the website and our friendly admissions team will reach out to you soon!
P.S. Our experienced staff and tailored approach to education at The Guild International College makes us a top choice for families seeking the best possible education for their teens and young adults with special needs and we’d be delighted to support you to unlock your child’s potential.