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Our programmes

Our Approach to Intervention

At the Dyslexia Association of Singapore, our programmes are a testament to the dedication, passion, and expertise of our highly qualified teachers. Our educators are not only well-versed in their subjects but are also deeply committed to the progress and success of their students. They bring their creative spirit and unwavering devotion to the classroom, crafting programmes that are as unique as the students they serve.

Our teachers are more than instructors; they are mentors who understand the challenges of learning differences. They are flexible in their approach, recognising that each student’s journey is unique and requires tailored support. Their training equips them to employ the Orton-Gillingham approach, incorporating innovative educational technology, which transforms the learning experience.

It is the dedication and passion of our teachers that sets us apart. They are the driving force behind the success stories of our students. Their commitment to nurturing talents, providing guidance, and offering unwavering support is the cornerstone of our educational approach. We believe that with the right teacher by their side, students can overcome any learning challenge and achieve their full potential.

Join us as we explore the wide range of programmes we offer, each designed with the student’s needs at the forefront. From preschool to adulthood, our commitment to empowering individuals with learning differences remains unwavering. It’s not just about education; it’s about making a profound difference in the lives of our learners.

The Dyslexia Association of Singapore provides support to a wide range of learners, including:

  • Preschoolers in K1 and K2

  • Primary 1 to Secondary 5 students in mainstream and international schools

  • Learners with a formal or are at risk of a diagnosis of dyslexia and/or other specific learning differences

  • Students of any age who find learning challenging, students who struggle to learn – those who learn differently

  • Post Secondary Students in Institutes of Higher Learning, such as Institutes of Technical Education (ITE), Polytechnics and Universities

  • Adults who struggle with literacy

Whether you are a young learner just starting out, a student in higher education, or an adult looking to improve your literacy skills, our dedicated team of professionals is here to provide the guidance and support you need to achieve your goals.

We are pleased to announce that our DAS constitution has been updated and ratified by our Board and Statutory body to include Struggling Learners in the mission, goals and aims of our organisation.

DAS’s new mission:

 “Empowering those who learn differently, including those with dyslexia, to achieve their true potential.“

DAS has, therefore, expanded access to its programmes to students without a diagnosis of a specific learning difference such as dyslexia.

DAS PROGRAMMES

DAS Programmes offered in small group settings are:

  • Main Literacy Programme (Primary 1 to Secondary 5)
  • Preschool Programme (K1 & K2)
  • Chinese (Primary 1 to Secondary 4)
  • English Exam Skills (Primary 3 to Primary 6)
  • Maths (Preschool to Secondary 1)
  • Speech and Drama (K2, Primary 1 to Secondary 4)
  • Speech and Language Therapy (Primary 1 to Secondary 4)
  • Specialist Tutoring (Preschool to Adult)
  • iReaCH™  (Primary 5 to Secondary 5)
  • iStudySmart™ (Secondary 3 to Institutes of Higher Learning)

Students wanting to access our programmes who do not have a diagnosis of dyslexia will be required to sit a PROFILING TEST to help us facilitate class placement.  This profiling test will also allow us to understand the learning challenges she/he faces and also allow us to provide targeted teaching that can be provided in our small classes.

I learn differently!

Students who face difficulties in their academic journey, despite their best efforts can face challenges in learning like those students with dyslexia and other Specific Learning Differences (SpLD). These students may have a variety of reasons for their learning challenges, ranging from emotional and behavioural issues to financial circumstances and other external factors. These students may not be formally diagnosed with a learning difference but are finding learning challenging, nonetheless.

There can be many factors that contribute to a student’s struggles in the classroom. One of the most common reasons is a lack of foundational knowledge or skills. For example, students who struggle with reading comprehension may have difficulty because they do not have a strong grasp of phonics, vocabulary, or grammar.

Other students may find learning challenging because of issues related to attention and focus. These students may have difficulty staying on task or staying organised, which can lead to poor academic performance. Similarly, some students may struggle with executive functioning, which makes it challenging to plan, prioritise, and manage their time effectively.

Emotional and behavioural challenges can also impact a student’s ability to learn. Students who struggle with anxiety, depression, or other mental health issues may find it challenging to concentrate on their studies or participate in classroom activities. Additionally, students who experience bullying, trauma, or other adverse life experiences may struggle to engage in learning due to the emotional toll of these experiences.

In summary, students who face challenges in their academic journey for a variety of reasons can now be supported by DAS. We recognise that all students deserve access to quality education and support, regardless of the obstacles they face. By providing specialist services for all learners who are finding learning challenging we aim to level the playing field and help them achieve their true potential.  DAS programmes are designed to help students build their foundational literacy skills, improve their confidence, and develop a love of learning that will serve them well throughout their academic journey.

MOE GRANT FUNDING

The Main Literacy Programme is part-funded by the Ministry of Education.  Conditions for the grant are as follows:

  • The student has a diagnosis of dyslexia and
  • The student is a Singapore Citizen and is attending an MOE Mainstream School* which qualifies for MOE funding for the DAS Main Literacy Programme (MLP), or 
  • The student is a Singapore PR/Foreigner but has one parent who is Singaporean and the student is attending a MOE Mainstream School* which qualifies for MOE funding for the DAS MLP.   *  A list of MOE Mainstream Schools can be found here:  MOE Mainstream Schools

Students who are eligible for DAS programmes, no longer require a formal diagnosis of a learning difference.  However, without a diagnosis of Dyslexia, they will not qualify for the MOE grant that applies to the Main Literacy Programme (MLP). 

Although they may not be eligible for the MOE grant, DAS does have funding to support low-income families access the range of DAS programmes and services, including MLP. 

We encourage parents to contact DAS directly to learn more about the programmes and services that are available for struggling learners, and to discuss the options that may be best suited to their child’s needs.

Find out more about services for students who learn differently HERE

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact us.