Flying Kids Child Development Centre, Ipoh

Tucked within a quiet neighbourhood in Taman Pertama, Flying Kids Child Development Centre, Ipoh is a special needs school for children aged three to 12 years old who have various developmental needs. First established in Johor over a decade ago, this is the brand’s first branch outside of the state. 

When school principal Charish Lo moved to Ipoh to be with family, she found that there were limited resources for special needs education in the area, and that many parents struggled to find appropriate support for their diagnosed children.  Lo has a master’s in special needs education from Taiwan. She also served as a teacher and vice principal in Johor for nine years. 

Wanting to address this gap in the market, Lo opened Flying Kids Child Development Centre, Ipoh in 2020. Since then, the school has welcomed pupils from all walks of life, including those with autism spectrum disorder, attention deficit and hyperactive disorder (ADHD), Down Syndrome, cerebral palsy, mood disorders, learning disabilities, and other kinds of developmental delays. 

Tailored programmes and activities 

The school follows a multidisciplinary curriculum that caters to a child’s individual abilities rather than a standard kindergarten syllabus. Classes are divided into morning and afternoon sessions, and cover structured lessons in languages and mathematics, complemented by activities that develop the child’s communication, gross motor, and fine motor skills. 

Thematic teaching and the work system are some techniques used to enhance cognitive learning. The latter is particularly beneficial for autistic children, as pupils are given specific tasks and instructions to complete them, which aids in developing focus. 

Meanwhile, Activities of Daily Learning (ADL), develops independence by teaching them basic self-care, such as changing their clothing, brushing their teeth, and tying their shoelaces. 

There is also group play, where they learn social rules like waiting and turn-taking, as well as social adaptation. The school’s spacious premises, with large, air-conditioned classrooms, dedicated play areas, and CCTVs for security, are designed so that pupils have a safe and conducive environment to interact with each other and grow. 

Understanding a child’s needs and abilities

One of the highlights at Flying Kids Child Development Centre, Ipoh is its Individualised Education Programme (IEP), where teachers and parents work together to identify each child’s strengths and weaknesses, and how to overcome them. 

Parents are first interviewed on the short- and long-term goals they want their child to achieve. Teachers then devise teaching strategies to meet these goals, which are reviewed and adjusted accordingly over the course of the school year based on the child’s progress. 

There is also the Early Intervention Programme (EIP), which targets children aged three to eight with the goal of equipping them with the necessary skills to transition to a regular kindergarten or government school.  Areas of focus include social communication skills, sensory and motor development, and adaptive skills. 

Speaking of teachers, an important criterion for Lo is for her teachers to come from backgrounds related to special education. “We want to make sure that they have proper expertise in handling the unique needs of children with special needs,” she highlights. 

There are currently seven teachers at the centre, with three being graduates in special education. Others hold degrees or professional certification in related fields such as psychology and early childhood education. With a small student-teacher ratio of seven to two, parents can be rest assured that their child is getting personalised attention and care. 

Collaborative approach

They say it takes a village to raise a child–and this is doubly so for children with special needs. Parents are encouraged to be actively involved in their child’s development, so they can continue to thrive even beyond the classroom. 

The school utilises the LittleLives App to keep parents updated on their child’s progress through photos and status updates.

Additionally, they organise supervised outings and events, such as year-end concerts and sports day, to offer parents a chance to bond with their children, supported by teachers who are on hand to supervise. Some of the fun activities the school has put together include horse riding and a movie date.

Another way that the school encourages development beyond the classroom is through home visits. “There are cases where a child can perform a task at school but is unable to do so at home. The purpose of home visits is to identify possible causes and offer recommendations so parents can create a conducive space for their child at home for both learning and daily activities,” Lo explains. 

Caring for a special needs child can be challenging, so the school offers respite services too on weekends, allowing caretakers a few hours of worry-free rest.

Conclusion

Flying Kids Child Development Centre, Ipoh is a school where its educators go above and beyond in ensuring their charges receive the best care, attention, and education, both within and outside the classroom. By combining a special curriculum with individualised care and involving parents in the process, Flying Kids makes a significant impact on the lives of these young learners.