Side by Side’s offers several special education options for those with special needs who are unable to attend mainstream school either short or long term. Our special education day programme is a communication-intensive group programme where each student is given responsibilities and encouraged to be independent within their individual capabilities, and where the focus is on managing personal relationships within a group and developing crucial life and social skills.  Goals are targeted both at individual and group levels, and life skills and literacy and numeracy skills are put into practice on a daily basis in real-life situations that will build sustainable skills for each student’s future. Side by Side’s special education programme can be attended full time, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday to Friday, or part time. The part time programme is flexible, and can be attended as a half day programme, or for specific days, times or activities. Our special education programme can include:

• Academics
• Home Economics
• Gardening
• Group Music Therapy
• Physical Education
• Creative Arts
• Zoo Visits
• Targeted Activities
• Vocational Training
• Integration

All activities within the day programme work towards goals set out in each child’s Individualised Education Programme (IEP). Activities are designed to work on communication goals, whether they be receptive or expressive, verbal or non-verbal, social skills, motor skills, behaviour goals, and independence, at levels appropriate for each child.