Tarang

Sethu runs an integrated pre-school education program called Tarang (which means "wave") for children with developmental disabilities. The resource room is located in Chubby Cheeks Preschool in Alto Porvorim, Goa and has the capacity to train 5 children with special needs. We intend to extend this program to more schools around Goa, to promote a model of inclusive education.

The training provided at Tarang is highly structured. Every child, together with inputs from the parents, is assessed on a functional curriculum, that incorporates various areas such as communication, socialisation, gross and fine motor skills, preacademic concepts and imitation skills. The results of this assessment lead to the development of an Individualised Educational Plan (IEP) for each child wherein goals for each area are selected and teaching strategies are planned. The IEP is discussed with the parents and a copy is given to them. Regular parent-teacher meetings are held and these incorporate a strong training component.

The children are regularly assessed for achievement of their goals and appropriate modifications to the IEP are made. Every 4 months a review of the IEPs is conducted and new programs are prepared for every child.

Activities at Tarang are planned according to a daily schedule which has items such as morning assembly, circle time, IEP time, free play, exercise and tiffin time. The daily plan is explained to the children using a visual schedule. Since our focus is on inclusion, we try our best to ensure that all the children have an opportunity to interact. During the week, our preschoolers enjoy many common art and fun activity classes that promote integration, creativity, language development and socialization.