Unit of Bala Mandir Kamaraj Trust
Training Services
Introduction
Recognizing the urgent need for Early Intervention services in rural areas for children aged 6 years and below, the Government of Tamil Nadu established Early Intervention Centres (EICs) in each of the 32 districts across Tamil Nadu in 2008. Local NGOs were selected to implement the Early Intervention program at these centers, each catering to approximately 50 children.
Refresher Training Course
The Early Intervention Centres (EICs), inaugurated in 2008, were entrusted to selected Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) responsible for executing early intervention programs at their respective locations. Under the directions of the Office of the State Commissioner for the Differently Abled, Madhuram Narayanan Centre (MNC) provided essential teaching and training materials to each EIC. In 2009, MNC was also assigned to visit these centers as part of an inspection team to assess their strengths and needs regarding infrastructure, manpower, program implementation, and to share expertise with staff and administrative management.
Based on our observations and interactions with EIC staff, parents, and management at each center, MNC recommended refresher training courses for all EIC personnel. While the NGOs managing the EICs had experience in implementing special education programs ranging from school education to vocational training, they required further orientation on MNC’s unique ‘Upanayan’ Early Intervention Program. Consequently, the Office of the Commissioner for Differently Abled Persons mandated the conduct of a refresher training course in 2010.
Key Aim of the Refresher Course
To raise awareness among service providers about the significance of Early Intervention for children with Intellectual Disabilities and associated conditions.
Key Objectives
- Encourage special educators and service providers to share their experiences in implementing the Early Intervention program.
- Review the current needs of children in the Early Intervention program across various centers and refresh program parameters accordingly.
Methodology
- Hands-on training
- Small group discussions and demonstrations / presentations
- Group presentations
- Field visits
The refresher course conducted by MNC under the aegis of the Office of the Commissioner for Differently Abled has become an annual event. MNC has successfully conducted five-day refresher courses for staff at the Government EICs each year from 2010 to 2018, as well as during 2022-2023. To date, a total of 11 such courses have been held.
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