Unit of Bala Mandir Kamaraj Trust
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Why is my child considered different from others?
Children are considered different from their peers when delays, difficulties, or disabilities in their development hinder skill acquisition, resulting in deficits in adaptive behavior.
2. Why does my child have difficulties adapting to regular school?
Children may have specific educational needs that are not adequately met in a general education setting. This can include the need for specialized teaching methods, therapies, and resources that are more readily available in specialized schools.
3. Who can provide guidance on my child's development and how can I evaluate their needs as they grow?
A pediatrician or child psychologist can conduct an initial assessment of your child’s development relative to their age and offer appropriate guidance and recommendations. Additionally, a child psychologist can perform yearly developmental assessments to evaluate your child’s progress and identify ongoing needs.
4. What is Early Intervention?
Early Intervention provides opportunities for children identified with developmental delays or disabilities to maximize their developmental potential and functioning, improving their quality of life and social participation. It also empowers parents and caregivers to become active participants in their child’s development by building knowledge, confidence, and coping strategies for positive mental health.
5. What is the importance of Early Intervention?
The first three years of a child’s life are a critical period of extraordinary growth and potential. During this time, children’s brains develop faster than at any other point in their lives, forming millions of new connections every second. However, it is also a vulnerable period where various areas of development do not operate in isolation. Timely identification and intervention are essential for strengthening the cumulative process of development. Early Intervention can limit disabling conditions, help children optimize their potential, prevent secondary handicaps, support families in managing care, and ultimately facilitate inclusion in mainstream activities.
6. Who is eligible for Early Intervention?
Children who experience delays or difficulties in their typical development are eligible for Early Intervention services.
7. How do I know if my child requires special intervention?
To determine if your child requires special intervention, consult an Early Intervention Center, special educator, child psychologist or pediatrician. They can assess developmental milestones, identify potential delays, and recommend appropriate therapies or support services.
1. What is the admissions procedure?
To initiate the admissions process at MNC, parents should contact the Centre to schedule an appointment for an initial assessment. Our team will evaluate your child’s developmental needs and determine eligibility for our programs.
2. What are the age requirements for admission?
MNC provides Early Intervention services for children aged 0 to 6 years with developmental delays or disabilities. Admission is open to children within this age range, ensuring they receive necessary support during this critical period.
3. What is the fee structure?
MNC aims to provide accessible services to all children in need. While there may be fees associated with certain programs, we also offer scholarships and financial assistance based on individual circumstances. For full details regarding our fee structure, please contact the Centre directly.
1. What is the Upanayan Early Intervention Program?
Upanayan is a comprehensive and structured program developed by MNC to support the management and training of children with developmental delays and disabilities. Specifically designed for the Indian socio-economic context, Upanayan recognizes each child’s unique strengths and needs while actively engaging parents as partners in their child’s development.
2. What does the Early Intervention program include?
Our Centre’s Early Intervention services encompass Special Education, various therapies tailored to the child’s needs, medical consultations, and parent counseling.
3. What types of therapies are offered at MNC?
MNC offers a range of therapies tailored to meet the individual needs of each child. These include physiotherapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, and specialized educational interventions.
4. Is therapy alone sufficient for my child?
At MNC, we believe in integrating Special Education with therapeutic services to support holistic development. For example, while physiotherapy may enhance physical abilities, such as extending arms and legs, integration with Special Education helps children apply these skills in daily life and achieve independence. Therefore, therapy is always part of a comprehensive developmental plan.
5. What role do parents play in the Early Intervention program?
At MNC, we provide training and guidance to empower parents to become active carry over agents—co-educators and co-therapists—in their child’s development, helping them reach their full potential and function as independently as possible.
6. Can grouping children with differing abilities affect my child’s development? Are any afflictions contagious?
Disability is a condition rather than a disease. Grouping children of similar ages fosters the development of age-appropriate skills. Additionally, the strengths of one child can positively influence the holistic development of their peers.
7. What is the duration of the Early Intervention program?
Early Intervention spans from birth up to six years of age. The specific duration will vary based on each child’s individual needs and progress.
1. What are the available pathways for my child after six years?
After six years, MNC offers various pathways tailored to each child’s ongoing development, including continued education in specialized programs, transition to mainstream schools with support services, or enrollment in vocational training programs.
2. When can I transition my child to a mainstream school?
We recommend transitioning your child to a mainstream school once they have successfully met specific criteria, including achieving at least 80% of the school readiness skills required for their age. These skills include indicating basic needs to adults, performing daily living activities with minimal assistance, recognizing personal belongings, taking turns, and following simple instructions. Mastering these skills is crucial for effective adaptation to a mainstream educational setting.
3. Will I continue to receive guidance and support from MNC after my child leaves?
Yes, every child enrolled in MNC will continue to receive necessary support and guidance as long as they maintain ongoing interaction with the Centre.
1. How can I get involved with MNC?
There are several ways to get involved with MNC, including volunteering your time and participating in fundraising events. You can also become a donor or sponsor to support our programs and initiatives. For more information on how to contribute, please visit our Support Us page.
2. What community resources are available for families of children with disabilities?
MNC collaborates with various organizations that offer additional support for families of children with disabilities.