HOW DOES CONDUCTIVE EDUCATION CANTERBURY DIFFER FROM OTHER EARLY INTERVENTION APPROACHES?

Team
In our centre the Conductor and the Early Intervention Teacher are planning, implementing and evaluating the whole session together. Working together with children/family/whanau, educating and supporting other staff members.

Structure
During the session we are working on all areas of the child’s development in relation to one another.

E.g. While children are learning to sit and balance they are encouraged in social interactions, developing communication skills and their fine motor skills – grasping and releasing.

The session is structured in a way that the child practices and generalises the skills they are learning in many different situations.

E.g. While a child is learning to dress/undress they are positioned to practice balancing, generalising their fine motor skills - grasping and releasing, and hand/eye coordination.

Groups
The group session gives the child a sense of belonging and the confidence to learn and generalise skills the same way as their peers are learning in mainstream settings. The group setting ensures social facilitation of learning, motivates the child, taking their focus off the challenging task. We provide small group settings of up to 6 children. Groups are based on a child’s age and needs. Because of the small numbers and regularly working with the same group of children friendships are developed and children are motivated by one another.

Attendance
Children who attend Conductive Education may attend for up to three sessions a week, for a maximum of 11 hours per week. We are flexible to fit in around family needs.

Trial Period
A one month trial period is offered to all families so that they can be sure that Conductive Education meets the needs of their child.