Healthy Start Child Development Centre

Click the link to view 2A's videos and audio for their project! :) https://drive.google.com/open?id=0B_7KiPanS_Gdby01TmgxZDdra28

Address: BLK 120 Bukit Merah View #01-04/06 Singapore 152120

About the organisation:

The organsiation runs early childhood programmes for children below 6 years old whose developmental and learning needs are hindered by circumstances beyond their control. These children would leave the programme ready for primary school and the Centre serves as a focal point that encourages the values of education as well as a place that fosters a culture of learning among the families of the children.

The centre provides a nurturing environment and a pre-school curriculum that looks after the children’s growth emotionally, socially, cognitively and physically. It is a warm and welcoming place that actively involves parents and care-givers to take an active interest in their children’s education. Admission is strictly by invitation and based on an assessment of the situation in the family. Usually these would be children who are behind their peers developmentally and would find it difficult to cope in a large class. These children would benefit from an environment where there is a smaller teacher-student ratio and an Individualised Education Plan.

The centre believes that parents are the first and primary educators in their children’s lives. Regardless of their backgrounds, they play key roles in their children’s education and the centre creates opportunities for them to problem solve and make decisions that would benefit the children in their care. Regular dialogues and activities are also conducted to strengthen co-operation between teachers and parents.

Stage 1: Interview/Empathy

In February, together with our Form Teacher, we recced HSC Development Centre & interviewed the Principal, Ms Sua Swee Lee. The student leaders raised meaningful questions and overall it was a fruitful session as we got to know the orgnaisation better and it enabled us to better plan the activities more efficiently. We learnt about the problems or challenges faced by organisation/beneficiary of organisation. The organisation provides pre-sch academic foundation, social & emotional support, inculcate values eg perseverance, due to their socially disadvantaged home background. When they move on to pri sch, they are unlikely to perform as well as children in the mainstream programme.

Interview Questions on 16/2 with Principal Ms Sua Swee Lee

1. What are the past activities that have been conducted that the children enjoyed?

2. What values do you want our activities to inculcate in the children?

3. How well do the children interact with one another?

4. Are there any specific children who require special attention?

5. What are some special safety precautions you recommend us to take?

6. Is photography allowed in the centre when we are carrying out our activities

The Principal of the childcare centre, explaining to the student leaders about the proposed activities and how the class can better cater to the needs of the organisation and direct the activities more towards the children at the childcare

The student leaders observed and took note of the surroundings and artifacts already present in the centre. This information was then relayed to the rest of the class so that the activities planned are able to meet the organisation’s needs.

The students brainstormed different activites that aims to provide a fun & meanginful engagement for the various age groups.

Stage 2: (Refer to the Table below)

Class 2A embarked on different fun and engaging activities demonstrating the theme of Kindness for children aged 2-6. The activities include interactive role play demonstrating acts of kindness, sing and dance, leaf printing/origami craft making, followed by a sharing/reflection.

It was their hope that the children can exhibit acts of kindness in their everyday lives.These activities will benefit the organisation as the children learn values of kindness and pass it on, exhibiting kindness even after the planned class visit by Cedar.

Prototypes, props and scripts with story line are drawn up. Everyone plays an active role, rehearsing, drafting and prototyping.

Stage 3:

The class is split into groups of five, with each group conducting a different activity at the organisation.

Group 1 @Bay 1 (2 -3 year old)

Group 2 @Bay 2 ( 4-6 year old)

The activities were held concurrently, Group 1 manned by 10 students and Group 2 manned by 20 students. Child Care Centre Caregivers and 2 Form Teachhers were around to supervise. Some student leaders served as photographers and reporters for the event. The centre allowed us to capture the children in action and we were very thankful for the opportunity to have those memories as keepsake.

Language & Decorum Tips (Given to us/Learnt)

Adopt Patience, use firm but gentle tone, repeat instructions, speak slowly, clearly.

Use Positive words and encouragement, rather than DON’T do This or That

Give Simple Instructions