As parents, we often worry about our children, with some of the most common concerns surrounding their health, happiness, and education. Are you left feeling distressed or frustrated, because, despite your best efforts at supporting and investing in your child’s education (extra classes), they’re still not excelling? Oftentimes, the challenges that your little ones are experiencing, are not the fault of the teacher nor that of the school. Knowledge is power, and problems that are undiagnosed cannot be corrected. Therefore, it is important to get to the root cause. WWKIDS along with Dr. Karine Clay of Higher Potential for Learning has the solution. (“Importance of Assessments” – Youtube)
In June 2022, WWKIDS collaborated with Dr. Clay of Higher Potential for Learning to provide teachers’ certification in pre screening, and pro bono pre screening and neuro psycho educational evaluation assessments for students. These assessments are methods for early identification of learning disabilities- one important key of our mission is to help dismantle the “stigma” in special education and help build and support literacy in Jamaica.
Over a two week period, Dr. Clay’s visit saw her assess/evaluate almost eighty (80) Jamaican students from four parishes, and from six prep and primary schools. Some students were found to have more than one learning disability, and as many as three.
These assessments are to see what their needs are, and how both parents and teachers can help them learn and achieve. Just about sixty eight (68%) percent showed signs of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), twenty six (26%)percent showed signs of Autism. The remainder showed signs of various learning disabilities and other learning deficits to name a few such as Dyscalculia, Dyslexia, Anxiety, Speech Impediment etc.
Pre screening and evaluation will help you to better understand how a child learns, as well as to figure out why a child may be experiencing learning challenges. Alongside this, you will gain valuable information on how to employ a child’s strengths to overcome their weaknesses; as well as receive recommendations regarding support that can be implemented at home. Various treatment options and opportunities will also be discovered, as our primary goal is to ensure that each parent is given valuable information to chart a new way forward to their child’s growth and development.
Thanks to our June 2022 sponsors, AC Hotel Kingston, JetBlue Airlines and SilverBowl Restaurant . We take your contribution as a vote of confidence and appreciation for what the organization has set out to do.
Take advantage of the upcoming Pre Screening and Neuropsychological Educational Evaluation in March 2023.
