The psychologists aim to enhance the emotional, behavioural, social and educational competency of students and manage difficulties in these areas. They look into pre and post admission matters to support students and their families’ transition into the school, and also support the integration of potential students in Love classes to MID classes, to increase opportunities for learning and social skills development. Psychologists also support transition of students leaving the school through psychological assessments, and supporting them in their application of various post school services.
The social workers look into the financial needs and well-being of students and families in the school. They assess and recommend necessary financial assistance (from MOE, school and community) so as to ensure the needs of students and families are met. Social workers also look into family and parental support work, such as working with parents on resources and conducting workshops or trainings. They also lead the intervention and follow-up for cases with child protection concerns and work with external agencies extensively to support families with complex needs. Social workers also support the transition of students into and out of school through engaging parents and also looking into plans and pathways for students after they graduate.
The occupational therapists provide assessment to understand students’ conditions better, as well as analyse barriers so as to adapt the learning environment and enhance students’ performance through differentiation of learning tasks and integrating various support strategies. They also help to enhance and support students’ engagement and participation in learning activities through working with teachers and parents. In particular, they provide intervention for students’ sensory processing functions, perceptual functions, postural-motor control, gross motor skills and fine motor skills.
The aim of speech and language therapy is to provide intervention for students with speech and language issues and help them to overcome communication difficulties by implementing appropriate therapeutic interventions. The speech and language therapists also helps to support students to learn better in the classroom by addressing their receptive and expressive language difficulties.
All students in school receive supports for their learning and behaviours through a tiered system of support. The level of support required by students can be classified into Tier 1,2 or 3. Tier 1 supports include universal school-wide approaches to target learning and behaviours. Higher tiered supports (Tier 2 and 3) for students can include Allied Professionals intervention services, targeted intervention (group or individual) for specific needs, and even referrals for external services. The Allied Professionals collaborate with teachers and parents closely to identify, assess, plan, implement and review the plans for students to receive supports, through data-based discussions and decision making.