Early Detection and Intervention Measures for Young Students with Learning Difficulties

49 Mr Christopher de Souza asked the Acting Minister for Education (Schools) what measures are currently in place to provide for the early detection and intervention for young students who have learning difficulties and what more can and will be done to help such students and their parents.

Mr Ng Chee Meng: Schools have measures in place to identify students with learning difficulties and provide timely and appropriate intervention.

Upon entry into Primary 1, schools conduct early literacy and numeracy screening to identify students who need additional support to level up their literacy and numeracy skills. There are learning support programmes to help these students acquire the basic literacy and numeracy skills. Support in these programmes is extended all the way to Secondary school levels if the child needs it.

In addition, students with dyslexia may attend the School-based Dyslexia Remediation (SDR) Programme or the MOE-aided literacy remediation at the Dyslexia Association of Singapore. MOE also provides resources for parents to support their children with dyslexia on the MOE Social Media Platforms, such as Schoolbag.sg. Students with learning difficulties may also be referred to MOE psychologists for further assessment and consultation on follow-up support.

There are also trained personnel, such as Teachers trained in Special Needs, Allied Educators for Learning and Behavioural Support, and School Counsellors, to provide case consultation and intervention for students with learning disabilities, such as Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder or mild Autism Spectrum Disorder. MOE also collaborates with the Institute of Mental Health to make available the Response, Early Intervention and Assessment in Community Mental Health (REACH) services where students can be assessed for further support and intervention, including advice for parents and caregivers.