Today, Kat, Tracey, Mike, Rachel and myself decided it would be a great day to go and visit Kelly at the school that she works for. At the school there is a pre-school, primary and post - primary programs that are offered at the location. The buildings are super beautiful and well maintained. The purpose of the school is to offer education to mentally and physically disabled children who don't "fit" into the regular school system. The kids ages range from 3 to 17 and are put in various classes depending on their abilities to interact and respond to cognitive development.
Kelly is really focused on the pre-school aged children and would like to work with the teachers to develop a proper curriculum that allows the kids access to information and educational development.
We had the opportunity to visit all the different classrooms. I especially like the post-primary kids who got to do exciting this like wood-working, cooking and maintaining an agricultural garden. Andrew who is the head teacher was taking us around and explaining that the reason they have this garden is so they aren't just explaining to the children the importance of growing vegetables, they are actually showing them how to grow their own vegetables. From preparing the soil, to watering and maintaining the produce as it grows.
The teachers all went to specific post-secondary education to be fully trained in special education needs, and they are very determined to provide their pupils with everything they can.
If children progress very well, it isn't unheard of that they are integrated into the regular style schools that are offered around the area.
The children come from Monday - Friday from 7:30am to 2:30pm. Buses are provided to take them to and from their home areas. I'm especially interested in coming on another Thursday to see the afternoon dancing and singing!
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