A little extra attention goes a long way

I HAVE been working with young children since 1992 and have about 26 years of teaching experience.

I started off as a teacher at a preschool and gradually moved up to head a centre. I took up courses in preschool studies to equip myself with the knowledge of child development. In my experience I have often come across children who needed a one-on-one approach academically.

When I moved to Ipoh after my husband was transferred there, I worked at an international school as an early years teacher. After three years, I taught primary children.

There were several children in my class who needed additional help. Fortunately, I was able to help these children.

The breakthrough came, when I was made the head of early years and began to include children with special education needs (SEN) into the classroom.

We had children with mild autism, dyslexia, speech delay, ADHD and more.

Although my team of teachers and I did not have much training in handling children with SEN, we managed to help them with our dedication, love and “heart” plus the knowledge we already had.

It was heartbreaking to see parents struggling with their special needs children at regular school. I am very proud to say some of these children whom we took in are now in primary school.

If the children are high functioning, it is only right for them to be included in regular schools. I am sure their parents would agree with this.

I was happy to read “An open letter to the Education Minister” ( StarEducate, July 8) about the teachers who are from both the early childhood and special education fields, and are currently pursuing a Diploma Programme in Special Needs (Early Years).

I hope that the Education Minister Dr Maszlee Malik, whom I hope to meet someday, will take this matter seriously. Give these children with SEN an opportunity and assist their parents who are struggling to help them.