Project Description

This project aims at developing a multi-disciplinary learning approach for professionals in education, health and social services in order to facilitate the additional learning and support requirements of children with special needs during periods of transition. The network will facilitate children with special needs during the following periods of transition:

1. Transition of children with special needs to mainstream environments through innovative learning resource centres (redefined existing specialised schooling environments)

2. Transition of children with special needs from pre-school to primary school and from primary school to secondary school.

Additionally our project´s objectives are to:

– Research – Undertake a literature review which will (1) examine the existing best practice models/structures and educational practices used in partner countries in order to establish a set of standardised criteria/ recommendations and overall baseline for best practice models to assist children with additional needs during periods of transition, (2) establish the conceptual/cross cultural basis for collaboration highlight the various terminology, concepts and definitions used across the 9 partner countries in relation to inclusion, transition, pedagogy, team working and children’s rights.

– Facilitate Learning/Knowledge Exchange – Develop 3 core training modules that examine disability awareness and inclusion, collaborative working concepts structures and relationships (including stakeholder involvement, assessment, strength based approaches and social justice), mentoring staff on transition, inclusion and collaborative working environments for professionals in education, health and social services to facilitate the additional learning and support requirements of children with disabilities during periods of transition.

– Creative Online Learning Environments – Develop a centre for educational professionals, (principals, teachers, specialist teachers, special needs assistants, counsellors) allied health professionals, (psychologists, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, speech & language therapists, clinicians) social services (social workers, family support workers, educational welfare officers) to learn, exchange knowledge and skills online in order to facilitate collaborative working that will provide holistic approaches that enable inclusive education.

– Self Assessment – Create a self assessment tool to assist schools and learning stakeholders involved in providing additional support, to measure current approaches being used during periods of transition and identify areas for improvement.

– Sustainability – Enable all stakeholders to collaborate and disseminate transferable models and information through accessing creative on line learning. Grow the network through Local Named Co-ordinators. Provide avenues to self sustaining module delivery post project.