“My journey as an Educational Therapist (ET) started in 2014 when a door opened for me to explore. I was deeply intrigued by the role because it gave me an opportunity to understand how learning takes place for a person, especially a child. I grasped the opportunity, and I did not look back since.

As an ET in AWWA, we support pre-schoolers (K1 and K2) with literacy and learning difficulties, usually with underlying conditions such as cognitive and behavioural challenges. Through one-to-one intervention sessions, we aim to facilitate our children’s learning through a range of instructional strategies. We work closely with our children’s ecological system – parents, caregivers, and educators – so all stakeholders can be aligned with strategies and approaches to support the child.

I recall a bubbly K2 girl who was reserved only during literacy class because she was self-conscious of her literacy abilities. As the intervention sessions progressed, she improved dramatically and realised that she could participate in classes better and felt more confident talking with others. Her teachers also noticed her change in energy level as she is more enthusiastic when participating in class activities. Her mother was pleasantly surprised when her daughter took the initiative to read simple books at home! Her mum shared that she felt assured and relieved that her child can learn given the right intervention strategies.

It is encouraging to witness these improvements as it assures us that our hard work allowed our children to participate fully in their classrooms and the community. I always believe that the best investment is investing in the next generation. This is why I chose to be an Educational Therapist.”