Educational resources in Singapore

[jk21]

For families looking for specialized learning support for children in Singapore, this year-old article I came across from Expat Living provides a useful introduction:

http://www.expatliving.sg/kids/educatio ... e-6257.ece

In case the link cannot be maintained, you can find the Feb 2013 article with the following search terms "specialist education children singapore"

It briefly explains some of the challenges of the local school system and the International Schools. From there it goes on to talk about some alternatives and at the end of the article, it provides contact information (albeit a year old).

I have talked with various frustrated parents here in Singapore. This articles captures much of what I have heard from others parents. It echoes frustrations that I have heard voiced with much more emotion than is printed in the article. So for parents not yet here in SG, it is a useful introduction to the reality of an educational shortcoming. It then goes on to offer some options along with contact information.

I am one of those frustrated parents. I do not work in education nor could I refer any child to any particular provider. I am walking this journey and want to share what I think is one of the most useful introductory pieces that I have stumbled across.

[lisayvonne]

Great article

[Hannieroo]

What a clearly written piece.

Is there any chance that could be stickied? It would help a lot of people.

[x9200]

I would not recommend doing it. While the article seems to be well written and surely carry some valuable information in my opinion it is a sponsored/promoting article so not all the names of the companies or the institutions that appeared in it may be for the reason of their pure academic or therapeutic excellency.

Again, this is my personal view or impression.

[fivegomad]

I agree with x9200. We are currently looking for a school for our son who has Down syndrome and so jumped on this article when I found it online. It really only pays lip service to what it's really like. And doesn't offer help for those needing a special needs school. More about those who have additional needs.
Also those schools mentioned are not quite as open as they like to claim to be. For example the international integrated school told us they couldn't consider our son due to his needs. ???!!!
I'm not making it up.
We have found that the local government funded schools seem to be very forward thinking and will hopefully lead the way to improving a fairly out dated system.
My advice is to go and visit each school as websites and articles like this are very deceiving. There are some great people in Singapore doing great work but dig deep.
Personally I can't wait to get out there and help change attitudes.

[TryingTBBMom]

I would have to agree with those who may have found the article helpful, but it is also a bit of a fluff piece of advertisement for a few educational institutions and from a mother who has seen these places some are grossly inaccurate.
Yes the heartfelt pain of those of us who experience the trials of finding a place that will educate and see how remarkable our children are even with their differences or disabilities is true.
Singapore has amazing Doctors, Therapists and "paid for" resources.

But prior to moving to singapore and assuming that you will find a school that will take your child, I would strongly advise you to secure a place for your child and then base a move after that.

The Local Government does not have in place "special needs " education.
Kids on varying spectrums are in institutionalized facilities. Singapore is just not there yet. Unlike the US, Australia, etc.. public schools have to accommodate and integrate. That is not the case here.

The Private International School Systems may "say" they have learning resources but not what you probably assume.
LR here means your child is a bit behind in maths or reading. They may have a little bit of social issues, ADHD or a workable physical handicap.

So before you up and move your beloved child make darn sure that your child has a written guaranteed place to go. and please visit the school first… do not take a websites pictures at face value.