Basic, Advanced and Thematic Courses on Catering for Kindergarten Students with Special Needs
Background
In the three school years from 2015/16 to 2017/18, the EDB commissioned tertiary institutions and a non-governmental organisation to provide professional development programmes for kindergarten teachers on catering for students with special needs. From the 2018/19 school year onwards, the EDB has recognised the aforementioned programmes as pitching at Basic level and progressively organised additional courses at Advanced and Thematic levels. The courses cover such content as fundamental knowledge and skills on early identification and intervention, multi-disciplinary collaboration and strategies related to coordination of support services. The EDB set specific targets for training in the 2018/19 school year. Kindergartens are encouraged to make strategic arrangements for their teachers to receive related training.
Description
(1) Basic Course on Catering for Kindergarten Students with Special Needs
- This course lasts for 36 contact hours in 6 days in total. It aims at enhancing the capacity of kindergarten teachers in supporting students with special needs through equipping them with fundamental knowledge and skills to identify students’ needs in various developmental areas, create and foster a supportive and motivating learning environment for students' learning and growth, implement effective curriculum adaptations and teaching strategies, and use evidence-based support strategies.
2) Advanced Course on Catering for Kindergarten Students with Special Needs
- This course lasts for 36 contact hours in 6 days in total. It aims at enhancing the capacity of kindergarten teachers in implementing and coordinating support for students with special needs by equipping them with advanced knowledge and skills in early identification and intervention, the application of Response to Intervention in the context of tiered intervention model through using evidence-based approaches, and the development of individual goals and support plans, and multi-party collaboration etc.
(3) Thematic Course on Catering for Kindergarten Students at Risk of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- This course lasts for 18 contact hours in 3 days in total. To further strengthen teachers' capacity in supporting students at risk of ASD, the course covers the characteristics and special needs of students at risk of ASD, assessment methods for promoting learning, and evidence-based support strategies, etc.
(4) Thematic Course on Catering for Kindergarten Students at Risk of Attention Deficit / Hyperactivity Disorder (AD/HD)
- This course lasts for 18 contact hours in 3 days in total. To equip teachers to support students at risk of AD/HD effectively, the course covers understanding the characteristics and special needs of children at risk of AD/HD, applying evidence-based support strategies, and collaborating with families and professionals, etc.
(5) Thematic Course on Catering for Kindergarten Students at Risk of Anxiety Disorders
- This course lasts for 18 contact hours in 3 days in total. To enhance teachers’ capacity to support students at risk of anxiety disorders, the course covers understanding emotional development and special needs of students at risk of anxiety disorders, utilizing assessment and evidence-based support strategies, as well as collaboration and support systems, etc.
Related documents
- EDB Circular No. 8/2018 – Kindergarten Education Scheme: Enhancing Professional Competency of KG Principals and Teachers
- EDB Circular No. 17/2022 – Enhancement Measures on Professional Development of Kindergarten Teachers
- Appendix 1 - Recognised Courses on Catering for Students with Developmental Needs and on Supporting NCS Students (Up to September 2025)
- Appendix 2 - Application Form for Supply Teacher Grant 2025/26 (Form 1) (For Specified Recognised Courses on Catering for Students with Developmental Needs) (Revised in September 2025)