Early childhood education and pre-school education support the growth and development of each child, in response to the diverse needs of children. Supporting a child in early childhood education and pre-school education is a breakdown of developmental and learning support, classified as general, intensified or specific support. The shared observations of child growth, development and learning are the starting point for parents and support staff, and support is focussed on the child's strengths and learning and developmental needs.
The support required for a child will vary from occasional to continuous support and from a little to a lot. It is important that the child's support is arranged as soon as the need for support is realised, and then assessed on a regular basis. The daycare care and education staff systematically support the growth and learning of a child using a variety of methods and tools, and adapting the learning and growth environment to support the individual needs and strengths of the children.
Structural support measures for child growth and learning are discretionary, and are arranged within the child's own group. The group may hire a team assistant if more focussed care is needed to help further support the children.
The Special Education Teacher (VEO) of Early Childhood Education is a specialist in growth and learning support and guides and advises early childhood staff and parents regarding child support needs. In addition, they also organise the children into small groups, and work systematically with the them and local educational staff. The Special Education Teacher works in co-operation with parents and educators to assist any child in need of support.
More information regarding support for early childhood education can be found here (in Finnish)
Nepsy Assessment System
The Pälkäne early childhood team uses the Nepsy assessment system, which can help families in identifying a challenging child or young person. A child may be diagnosed with, for example, Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), Attention Deficit Disorder (ADD) or autism disorder. The purpose of the system is to give the whole family tools and practical tips to help progress through the challenging situations of everyday life. No initial diagnosis is needed to access the service, please contact a Nepsy coordinator for help and advice.
The Nepsy process is more effective if it can be started as soon as the requirement is identified. At the beginning of the process, multi-professional staff, together with the child and the family, will create a unique assessment of the support needs, along with the activity goals to best help the child and carers. Meetings can be held either at the child's home or at another agreed place. The purpose of the coaching is to help the child in managing their own life more successfully. There are usually 3-5 meetings, after which the situation is reassessed - the coaching can be adjusted and resumed, or the child and family can be directed to other services which may be better suited to help.
Pälkäne Municipality Early Childhood Special Educators (VEO's)
Leila Kajan - Nepsy Coordinator
p. 040 553 4807 (Mondays, 12:00 - 13:00)
firstname.lastname@palkane.fi
Outi Kettunen
p. 050 432 3382
firstname.lastname@palkane.fi