Parents’ Guide to Gaelscoil Bhréifne Cavan ASD Early Intervention Class
Introduction to Gaelscoil Bhréifne Gaelscoil Bhréifne in Cavan is dedicated to providing a supportive and immersive educational experience, blending Irish language immersion with innovative educational practices. Integral to this commitment is the ASD Early Intervention Class, designed to support young children with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) in a nurturing, bilingual environment.
About the ASD Early Intervention Class The Early Intervention Class at Gaelscoil Bhréifne, known colloquially as the “Naíonra na nÓg,” caters to children aged 3-5 years who have been diagnosed with ASD. This class is tailored to harness the benefits of early intervention while providing a rich Irish language context, supporting cognitive, linguistic, and social development.
Educational Structure The Naíonra na nÓg follows the standard school day, integrating seamlessly with the broader school activities while providing a specialized curriculum suited to the needs of children with ASD. The program is structured to include:
- Language Development: Emphasis on both Irish and English to enhance communication skills within a bilingual framework.
- Social Skills: Activities designed to improve interaction with peers and develop essential social abilities.
- Sensory and Motor Skills: Incorporating sensory integration strategies and fine motor skill development into daily activities.
Staff Expertise and Support The class benefits from a low student-to-teacher ratio, with dedicated Special Needs Assistants (SNAs) enhancing the personalized care and instruction each child receives. Teachers and SNAs in the Naíonra na nÓg are not only trained in early childhood education and special needs strategies but are also fluent Irish speakers, ensuring a rich linguistic environment.
Goals of the Early Intervention Class The primary objectives of Gaelscoil Bhréifne’s Early Intervention Class are:
- Bilingual Development: To foster language acquisition in an immersive Irish setting, aiding broader cognitive development.
- Holistic Education: To address the educational needs of the whole child, including emotional and physical development.
- Family and Community Integration: To ensure that children are seen as active, valued members of the school community, with families playing a key role in educational outcomes.
Parental Involvement Gaelscoil Bhréifne believes strongly in the power of collaboration between educators and families. Parents are encouraged to engage actively with the school, participate in planning and reviewing their child’s progress, and attend workshops that provide insights into supporting their child’s development at home.
Enrollment Process Parents interested in enrolling their child in the Naíonra na nÓg should begin by contacting Gaelscoil Bhréifne to discuss their child’s needs and to understand more about the school’s facilities and approach. An initial visit can be arranged to observe the class and meet with staff, followed by a formal assessment to ensure that the program suits the child’s needs.
Conclusion Gaelscoil Bhréifne’s ASD Early Intervention Class provides a unique opportunity for young children with ASD to begin their educational journey in a supportive, bilingual environment. The program is designed to promote not only academic skills but also the social and emotional growth essential for lifelong learning and development.
