Kindling Inclusion Part 1: Singapore's First Inclusive Preschool

Summary

The video script highlights the journey of an inclusive preschool in Singapore, where 30% of children have special needs. The founder, Rosanna, emphasizes the importance of acceptance and a multidisciplinary team approach to help children with diverse needs. The school focuses on personalized learning plans, fostering a culture of understanding and positivity. It aims to empower children, teaching them the value of inclusion and resilience, preparing them for a more progressive and inclusive society.

Takeaways

• 🌟 The kindergarten in Singapore is the first inclusive preschool, aiming to integrate 30% of children with special needs.
• 💡 Rosanna Barrini's mission is to create a world where inclusion is a norm, emphasizing acceptance as the first step.
• 👥 The school employs a multidisciplinary team including teachers, psychologists, occupational therapists, and speech therapists to support children's diverse needs.
• 📚 They strive for a natural approach in education, avoiding any perception of difference among children in the classroom.
• 🌱 The school believes in motivating children to improve themselves and fostering a sense of community.
• 🤝 Inclusion is not just for children with special needs but is about embracing everyone's differences.
• 📈 The school uses personalized learning plans to cater to each child's individual needs, which reassures parents.
• 🏋️‍♂️ The curriculum is balanced, focusing not only on academics but also on physical activities and social-emotional development.
• 👶 The school has observed significant improvements in children's social and emotional skills, as well as their academic performance.
• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The inclusive environment has led to a culture of understanding and positivity among children, celebrating each other's strengths and weaknesses.
• 🌐 The school's approach to inclusion is seen as a model for society, with the potential to create a more empathetic and accepting future generation.

Q & A

What is the main focus of the kindergarten mentioned in the script?

The kindergarten is an inclusive preschool in Singapore that aims to provide an opportunity for children to play, learn, and come together, with a mission to create an inclusive society.

What percentage of children does the kindergarten accommodate according to the script?

The kindergarten accommodates 30% of children with special needs.

What is Rosanna Barrini's mission mentioned in the script?

Rosanna Barrini's mission is to create a world where society is inclusive, and she believes that being open and ready to accept diversity is half the battle won.

What kind of team does the kindergarten have to support the children's learning?

The kindergarten has a team of teachers, early interventionists, psychologists, occupational therapists, and speech and language therapists who work together as a multidisciplinary team.

How does the kindergarten approach the integration of children with different needs?

The kindergarten tries to make the integration as natural as possible by mixing children with different needs together and not making it obvious that a child is doing a different worksheet or activity.

What is the kindergarten's approach to personalized learning?

The kindergarten has personalized learning plans for each child, modifying resources to support individual needs and helping them improve in terms of motion, social skills, and self-confidence.

How does the kindergarten balance academics with other aspects of a child's development?

The kindergarten includes outdoor sports, physical activities, and social-emotional learning to balance academics and show the strengths and weaknesses of every child.

What kind of changes do parents notice in their children after attending the kindergarten?

Parents notice improvements in their children's social and emotional understanding, as well as their ability to interact with other children and be helpful.

What is the long-term goal of the kindergarten's inclusive approach?

The long-term goal is to empower children with the skills to survive and relate better in society, fostering independence and a natural way of including others.

How does the kindergarten help children understand and accept differences among their peers?

The kindergarten fosters a culture of understanding where children learn to use positive words about their friends, celebrate each other's achievements, and understand that it's okay to be different.

What is the significance of the kindergarten's approach according to the script?

The kindergarten's approach is significant as it sets the stage for future society by molding children from a young age to think positively about others and include them in their environment.