Supportive Learning Unit (SLU) Program
At the Ivy School, we embrace diversity and understand each child’s specific needs. Therefore, we are accepting applications for children into our SLU (Supportive Learning Unit) program. For this academic year we have 6 SEATS available for this program.
All our teachers and staff are well-trained and have experience teaching children of different conditions including ADHD, autism, speech delay and other conditions. With the ratio of students to teachers as 3 to 1, our unique program offers psychoeducation and psychotherapy for students every week.
Psychoeducation focuses on teaching life skills to our SLU students. The program empowers SLU students with essential life skills. The program focuses on developing independence, promoting social interactions, fostering self-care abilities, and enhancing overall well-being. By providing a structured and supportive environment, we aim to equip SLU students with the skills they need to thrive in their daily lives.
Psychotherapy is a specialized group activity program that combines art and music to facilitate self-expression, emotional regulation, communication, and social interaction for SLU students. The program creates a safe and supportive environment where SLU students can explore their creativity, develop sensory integration, and enhance their overall well-being.
Each semester, we invite therapists who are specialized in different methods of therapy to come teach and introduce their techniques to our students.
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Program Objectives:
Promote Independence
The program focuses on empowering SLU students to become more self-reliant and independent in their daily routines and activities. It aims to develop skills such as self-help, personal hygiene, organization, time management, and problem-solving.
Self-Expression
The program aims to provide a platform for SLU students to express themselves freely and creatively through art and music. It encourages self-discovery, allowing children to communicate their thoughts, emotions, and experiences in a non-verbal manner.
Enhance Social Interactions
The school places significant emphasis on social skills development. It provides opportunities for children to engage in structured social activities, such as group games, cooperative projects, and role-playing exercises. The goal is to improve communication, empathy, perspective-taking, and building meaningful relationships.
Foster Self-Care Abilities
The program focuses on teaching essential self-care skills to promote personal well-being. This includes activities such as grooming, dressing, meal preparation, nutrition awareness, and basic household chores, tailored to the student's abilities and age.
Improve Emotional Regulation
The school recognizes the importance of emotional regulation for SLU students. It incorporates strategies and techniques to help students identify and express their emotions effectively, manage anxiety and stress, and develop coping mechanisms.
Program Features:
Structured Schedule
The program follows a structured daily schedule to provide a predictable and organized environment for SLU students. This helps to reduce anxiety and promote a sense of stability.
Visual Supports
Visual supports, such as visual schedules, social stories, and visual cues, are integrated into the program to assist with understanding expectations, transitions, and social interactions. These visual aids provide clarity and support for SLU students, aiding in their comprehension and participation.
Social Skills Training
The program incorporates explicit social skills training sessions where SLU students learn appropriate social behaviors, non-verbal communication, and social problem-solving techniques. These sessions may include role-playing, group discussions, and real-life scenarios.
Hands-on Activities
The school utilizes hands-on activities and experiential learning to engage SLU students in acquiring practical life skills. This may involve practicing money management through simulated transactions, grocery shopping, cooking sessions, and household chores.
IEP (Individualized Education Plan)
The program takes into account the unique needs and preferences of each child. Therapists tailor art and music activities to accommodate sensory sensitivities, communication styles, and developmental abilities, ensuring that each child can fully participate and benefit from the program. The program is designed based on each child’s capability and interest, which will develop and prepare them for higher education.
Parent Involvement
The program encourages parent involvement and provides resources and support to parents. Workshops, training sessions, and regular communication channels are offered to ensure collaboration between parents and instructors, allowing for consistent reinforcement of skills at home.
Facilities
Main classroom
The main classroom was designed based on our psychotherapist’s recommendations. The lights can be dimmed when needed to suit students’ sensory needs. The floors are cushioned. The fans and air conditioners were installed and can be used when needed. Each student has their own box to store their books and materials. This is part of helping them learn self-discipline.
Therapy room
Safety, comfort, and confidentiality
The therapy room was designed for an individual therapy session with our psychotherapist. There is a light and alarm system set up to indicate if a session is on. Everything discussed with our psychotherapist in this room is kept confidential.
Sensory room
The sensory room was designed as a comfort zone/room for our students if they experience emotional turbulence. The walls and floor are cushioned to provide a soothing environment with a tent they can go inside in case they need some time alone. The bean bags are also provided for students comfort. All the toys and tools in this room help calm students down and develop their sensory all together. We also have a private fridge and cabinet to store students’ food. If your child has any eating condition and needs extra care and choice for their diet, their food, milk and drinks will be stored safely in this room without any chance of contamination.