Our In-Depth training days offer a more detailed look at some of the topics covered in our general overview training. We cover a review of the relevant evidence and research with more opportunity for discussion and individual application through interactive workshops.  The following Pre-School training sessions are typically offered as half day sessions or twilight training sessions, however two or three sessions can be combined to create a training day.

 

Play and Cognition

 

This course is designed to promote the use of evidence based strategies to promote learning through play and the importance of additional practice.  It will include how to scaffold play skills and set up appropriate learning activities in the home and at nursery. It will also cover how to incorporate individual targets into play and everyday routines and experiences as well as covering what is needed to be a successful play partner whilst developing independence and social skills.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Play and Fine Motor

 

This course is designed to promote the use of evidence based strategies to promote learning through play and become a competent play partner.  It will include how to scaffold play skills and set up appropriate learning activities in the home and at nursery. Children with Down syndrome can have difficulties processing the information they receive from their senses and then co-ordinating their movements which impacts on their play development. Their motor-neuro pathways take longer to become established and the session will cover identifying appropriate targets, breaking activities into smaller steps and achieving more practice to develop and establish these pathways.  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Developing early numeracy skills

 

This session covers numeracy development in children with Down syndrome and how best to support understanding and the use of early number skills.  It includes practical ideas and examples for teaching early number including examples of activities for home and pre-school, guidance on tailoring activities to support strengths/weaknesses as well as suggestions for resources such as Numicon and See and Learn Number.    

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Encouraging positive social skills and managing challenging behaviour

 

This session covers the social strengths typically seen in children with Down syndrome and how to promote positive behaviour.  The session will cover the social understanding of children with Down syndrome, building on these early strengths,and ensuring positive social experiences.  In addition we will discuss the typical behaviours seen in the early years, strategies to promote positive behaviour and how to manage challenging behaviours when they occur.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Transition  

 

This session focuses on putting into place and supporting a positive transition from pre-school to school.  We will cover the key elements of a successful transition plan to ensure that the child, family and school are prepared for September.  This will include how to develop positive communication systems and support schools to successfully include your child.  Useful resources and strategies to promote the child’s strengths and overcome difficulties in the lead up to and commencement of school in September will be discussed.  This session is aimed at promoting an enjoyable start to the school experience and supporting full inclusion from the beginning.