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Little Olive Tree's Educational Support Programme

We are currently seeking funding support for our Educational Support Programme. Click the button below.



What is the Educational Support Programme in Little Olive Tree by Presbyterian Preschool Services about?

Here are some commonly asked questions that will help you understand our work better:



A. About the Educational Support Programme


ONE: What is the Educational Support Programme?

It is a high quality educational program designed for children with special educational needs ranging from 18 months to 6 years old. It is intended to prepare children with additional needs for mainstream education as far as possible.

TWO: How has ESP been designed to support children with additional needs?

  • ESP emphasizes on

    1. inclusive learning

    2. fostering collaboration between home and centre

    3. as well as providing social services


  • Centres offering ESP will have dedicated Educational Support Teachers (ESTs) that work alongside the Early Childhood Educators (i.e. the preschool teachers) to facilitate the learning process of children within the preschool classrooms.


  • Activities will be adapted to ensure that children with additional needs can effectively engage, participate and experience meaningful learning alongside their typically developing peers. This approach aims to achieve improved developmental outcomes for all children involved.


  • ESTs in Little Olive Tree by PPS is also supported by a team of specialists in the Headquarters. Regular training for ESTs, Early Childhood Educators and Principals is also provided to foster inclusive classroom practices.

THREE: What is the profile of children who are enrolled in the ESP?

  • The goal of ESP is designed to prepare children with additional needs for mainstream education as far as possible. Hence, we are not able to support all children with additional needs in the ESP.


  • ESP is designed for children who have been assessed to require low to medium support needs pertaining to the following conditions assessed by a paediatrician:

    1. Physical

    2. Developmental

    3. Intellectual

    4. Sensory (e.g. hearing impairment with hearing aids or visual impairment with corrective lens)

    5. Or a combination of above


  • Some of the children we currently support in our centres have been diagnosed with the following:

    1. Down Syndrome

    2. Autism

    3. ADD/ADHD

    4. Dyslexia

    5. Cerebral Palsy

    6. Global Development Delay

FOUR: What can children enrolled in ESP expect?

  • In-class support during integrated lessons by the ESTs

  • Individualised pull-out intervention sessions (depending on the child’s needs)

  • Customized Education Plan developed for each child based on the Brigance Assessment Tool

  • Comprehensive Learning Portfolio upon graduation

  • Enhanced curriculum and resources

  • Home-Support for parents


The Education Support Programme does not include therapy services (e.g. speech therapy, occupational therapy and physiotherapy.) If children require therapy, these services has to be sought from other providers.

FIVE: Will children enrolled in ESP be in class with their similarly-aged children?

Children with additional needs would require a longer time to learn and acquire the same skills as their typically developing peers. ESP is designed to journey with the children as long as they need in order to prepare them for mainstream education as far as possible.


Hence, the children enrolled will be assigned to a suitable class based on their functional and learning level.


B. About our Educational Support Teachers (ESTs)


SIX: What is the profile of the Educational Support Teachers in Little Olive Tree by Presbyterian Preschool Services?

Educational Support Teachers (ESTs) possess either a Diploma or a Degree in special education and related fields such as Early Childhood Education, Psychology, Allied Health, or Social Work. They also have received specialised training in working with persons with special needs and have prior experience in Early Intervention/Early Childhood settings.


ESTs in Little Olive Tree by PPS are also supported by a team of experienced specialists in the Headquarters. Regular training for ESTs, Early Childhood Educators and Principals is also provided to foster inclusive classroom practices.

SEVEN: What is the ratio of ESTs to children with additional needs?

Each EST will care for up to 5 children with additional needs in their Centre. At any given time, each Centre can have up to 10 children with additional needs.


C. Being Enrolled in the Educational Support Programme (ESP)


EIGHT: What is the enrolment criteria for ESP?

Children who would like to seek enrolment in ESP has to meet the following eligibility criteria:

  1. Singaporean Citizen, Permanent Resident or Dependant Pass Holder

  2. 18 months to 6 years old

  3. Assessment with developmental needs that requires low to medium Early Intervention Support by a paediatrician

  4. Medical assessment report from the hospital or private doctor


The ESP is not suitable for children requiring high support needs.

NINE: Is there a trial period?

Yes, all children seeking enrolment in ESP will need to go through a 3 month trial period during which the child will participate in a half-day program from 9am to 1pm. The frequency of attendance will be determined based on the specific needs of the child.


During the trial period, the school and team working with the child will determine if we are able to support the children with their needs and the family adequately. It is also a time for the parents to ascertain the same.


If the programme is deemed suitable for the child, the child’s placement will be confirmed, and the child will continue attending the half-day programme.

TEN: Can children enrolled in ESP attend full-day childcare?

The children enrolled in ESP will always begin with the half-day programme as most children also attend EIPIC sessions.


Evaluations will be conducted every 6 months to determine whether transitioning the child to a full-day programme will be suitable for them.

ELEVEN: Is it feasible for my child to be enrolled in both EIPIC (Early Intervention Programme for Infants and Children) and ESP simultaneously?

Yes. As long as the child requires EIPIC services, we encourage a strong collaboration with EIPIC centres to provide assistance such that each child’s learning goals are supported across all contexts that the child lives in.

TWELVE: Is it possible for my child to discontinue EIPIC attendance while enrolled in ESP?

No. We do not encourage parents to do so as the ESP does not offer therapy services (e.g. speech, occupational or physiotherapy) that are available within EIPIC.


It is essential for children to maintain their involvement in therapy services as these services play a crucial role in their development. ESP complements what EIPIC offers. The child cannot do one without the other.


D. ESP Fee Matters


THIRTEEN: How much is the fee for the Educationa Support Programme?

The cost running ESP per child is about $1800. However, we are cognisant that costs add up more significantly for parents caring for children with additional needs.

Hence, the cost of ESP enrolment (on top of the childcare fees) is only $300 (before GST).


Little Olive Tree by Presbyterian Preschool Services is committed to look for additional funding and donations to cover the true cost of ESP in order to share the load of caring for children with additional needs with the families.

FOURTEEN: I have difficulty covering the $300 ESP fees. Is there any form of financial aid or support available?

Financial assistance will be provided on an individual basis, considering each child’s unique circumstances. You may approach the school after enrolment should you need financial assistance.





We are currently seeking funding support for our Educational Support Programme. Click the button below.



 
 
 

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