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 serving kindergarten teachers in supporting students with special needs through equipping them with fundamental knowledge and skills to identify the needs of students in various developmental domains, create and foster supportive and motivating learning environment, adapt instructional 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 the support for students with special needs through equipping them with in-depth knowledge and skills in early identification and intervention, application of Response to Intervention in the context of tiered intervention through using evidence-based approaches, and development of individual goals and support plans, etc.
(3) Thematic Course on Catering for Kindergarten Students with Special Needs: Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)
- This course lasts for 18 contact hours in 3 days in total. To further strengthen teachers' capacity in supporting students with ASD, the course covers characteristics and needs of students with ASD, assessment for learning, evidence-based support strategies, etc.
(4) Thematic Course on Catering for Kindergarten Students with Special Needs: 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 / with AD/HD effectively, the course covers characteristics and needs of children with AD/HD, evidence-based support strategies, collaboration with families and professionals, 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 I - Recognised Courses on Catering for Students with Developmental Needs and on Supporting NCS Students (Up to October 2024)
- Appendix II - Application Form for Supply Teacher Grant 2024/25 (Form 1) (For Specified Recognised Courses on Catering for Students with Developmental Needs) (Revised in October 2024)