The Integrative Academy, Plaza Arkadia

The Integrative Academy is a children’s special educational needs centre in Plaza Arkadia, situated within the serene Desa ParkCity township. They offer learning programmes for kids with special needs from age 3 to 15 years.

Exploring Different Ways to Teach

Helen and Rashvinder, co-founders of The Integrative Academy (TIA), met when they were studying their bachelor’s degree in education. After graduation, they both had a chance to work for a non-profit organisation that taught children with special needs.

During that period, Helen and Rashvinder realised they truly enjoyed the teaching experience and the way that they could explore different approaches to education. Although their work was challenging, the non-standardised and creative way of dealing with special needs education opened their eyes to a world with varying possibilities for growth, no matter the child’s individual differences.

This led to the establishment of The Integrative Academy, a centre that aims to help children with special needs achieve the skills they need to best support themselves and realise their potential.

Educational programmes for Children with Special Needs

At The Integrative Academy, there are two programmes: The Early Intervention Program, and the Primary Home School Program.

1. Early Intervention Program (EIP)

The EIP caters to young children ages 3 to 6, and focuses on areas such as social & academic skills, sensory integration & physical activity, and play & cognition. Students will engage in fun, hands-on activities that develop them holistically.

Kids here not only learn important academic knowledge such as literacy and numeracy, but also get involved in fine motor activities, arts & crafts, music & movement, sensory play, and group play.

2. Primary Home School Program

The Primary Home School Program is designed for children ages 7 to 15 years. It follows the national academic syllabus. Under this program, students will learn academic skills, build life skills, and participate in sensory integration & physical activity.

Academic skills will include subjects such as English, maths, science—as well as art, and music & movement. Life Skills will encompass training in areas such as personal care, money and time management, housekeeping, and cooking.

Both programmes offer group-based occupational therapy for students and involve children in Brain Gym activities that help them coordinate their left and right brain.

Facilities to Help Kids Learn and Develop

The physical environment at TIA is new, hygienic, safe and designed to support children’s learning needs. There is a large gym area for sensory and physical activities right as you enter the centre, with a variety of special equipment for kids to climb, jump, roll and exercise. The floor is covered with thick padded mats to protect kids from injuries.

There is also a bright and spacious pantry area where kids gather to eat and have some lessons or discussions (a part of the wall here also functions as a blackboard).

Qualified Special Education Teachers

TIA’s teachers are qualified and experienced in working with special needs children. They are chosen for their capacity to constantly adapt, learn, practice creativity, and maintain calmness during tense or difficult situations.

The educators here receive training every term, where they learn more about kids’ individual diagnoses, educational expectations and understand how to better help students in various situations. Every Friday, the teaching team gather to discuss progress and plans.