The Ministry of Education (MOE) has implemented various strategies to promote inclusivity:

Mainstream Integration: Approximately 80% of students with Special Educational Needs (SEN), such as Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD, and dyslexia, are enrolled in mainstream schools. These institutions are equipped with Allied Educators for Learning and Behaviour Support to assist both students and teachers in creating an inclusive environment.

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Special Education (SPED) Schools: For students requiring higher levels of support, SPED schools offer tailored educational programs. Collaborations between SPED and mainstream schools, known as Satellite Partnerships, facilitate social interactions through joint activities like CCAs, workshops, and camps.

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Universal Design for Learning (UDL): Singapore promotes UDL principles, encouraging educators to design flexible curricula that accommodate diverse learning styles and needs. This includes the use of assistive technologies and inclusive assessment methods.

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The Role of Athena Shadow Support

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Athena Shadow Support is a Singapore-based organization helping with personalised assistance to children with special needs. Their services are designed to complement the national inclusive education framework, offering targeted support that enable students to grow in a evidence-based framework. 

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Athena Shadow Support works with both MOE and International schools including pre-schools.

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Shadow Support Services

Athena's shadow support involves trained professionals who help children within their school environment. These "shadows" help students stay engaged with class instructions, adapt to the curriculum, and navigate social interactions, ascertaining a more inclusive and supportive learning experience. ​ 

Athena Shadow Support works on Academic, social, emotional, behavioural, and cover pretty areas that are required to integrate them in a classroom environment.

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Home-Based Support

Recognizing that learning extends beyond the classroom, Athena offers shadow support at home. This service aligns with a child's Individualized Education Plan (IEP), providing consistent assistance that reinforces skills and builds confidence in a familiar setting. ​ 

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Individualized Education Plans (IEPs)

Athena collaborates with parents and educators to develop IEPs custom to each child's strengths and challenges. These plans serve as personalized roadmaps, guiding academic and social development through clearly defined goals and strategies.

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Comprehensive Educational Services

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Beyond shadow support, Athena provides a range of educational services aimed at holistic development:​

• Communication Skills: Utilizing tools like the Picture Exchange Communication System (PECS) to enhance expressive and receptive language abilities.​ 

• Daily Living Skills: Teaching essential self-care routines to promote independence.​ 

• Positive Behaviour Modification: Implementing strategies that encourage positive behaviours and coping mechanisms.​

• Sensory Integration: Offering therapies to help children manage sensory processing challenges.​ 

• Motor Skills Development: Engaging activities designed to improve fine and gross motor coordination.​ 

Social Interaction: Structured play sessions that foster peer relationships and social competence.

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Tuition and School Readiness Programs

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Athena also offers tuition services for children aged 3 to 12, focusing on English, Mathematics, and Science. These sessions are available both at home and at their Yishun center, accommodating various learning preferences. ​

Their P1 School Readiness Programme prepares children for the transition to primary school by emphasizing literacy, numeracy, confidence-building, and holistic development. ​

Parental Involvement and Community Engagement

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Athena recognizes the imperative role parents play in a child's academics. They actively involve parents in developing IEPs and provide resources to support learning at home. This collaborative approach ensures consistency and reinforces the child's progress across different environments. 

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Community initiatives like The Purple Parade further promote inclusivity by celebrating the abilities of persons with disabilities and advocating for equal access to education, employment, and social participation. 

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Challenges and Future Directions

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While Singapore has made significant strides in inclusive education, challenges remain:​

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• Resource Allocation: Ensuring schools have adequate resources and trained personnel to support diverse learners.​ 

• Teacher Training: Providing ongoing professional development to equip teachers with inclusive teaching strategies.​

• Individual Attention: Balancing the needs of students requiring more individualized support within mainstream classrooms. ​

Addressing these challenges requires continued collaboration between government agencies, educational institutions, service providers like Athena, and the broader community.​

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For more information on Athena's services and how they can support your child, visit their website: Contact | Athena Shadow Support | Singapore

Call/WhatsApp: +65 9658 1190

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