Special Education

Early Special Education Program

The Early Special Education Program operates from an Education Queensland facility in the grounds of Noosaville State School. The centre provides programs for children with special needs, in particular children (aged 0 - 6 years) who have suspected moderate to severe impairment in the following areas:-

* Physical Impairment

* Hearing Impairment

* Speech Language Impairment

* Intellectual Impairment

* Vision Impairment

* Autistic Spectrum Disorder

The Centre offers developmental programs for children in the following ways:

* Centre based programs for kindergarten and prep aged children;

* Playgroup programs (0 - 3 years);

* Visiting / advisory support;

* Outreach support for prep students with duel placements.

The Noosaville Early Special Education Program officially opened its doors in April 1997. Initially seven children were enrolled. Their ages ranged from two to six years. Within three months of the program opening, the enrolment had grown to provide programs for twelve children and their families. By 1998, enrolments had grown again to twenty children and their families.

These families lived in areas such as Eumundi, Coolum, Peregian, Tinbeerwah, Federal, Noosaville, Pomona, Sunshine Beach, Tewantin and west of the highway from Eumundi.

At present there are approximately thirty children who are involved in programs through the Centre. Two Special Education teachers and two part-time teacher aides are involved in the children's programs. Regular visitors to the centre include physiotherapists, occupational therapists and speech language pathologists who all assist the children in their developmental programs. The Centre also has a number of volunteers who assist in the running of the Centre and is a training centre for children undertaking courses through TAFE colleges in Southeast Queensland.

The Early Special Education Program operates early childhood programs that involve the children in a range of activities that address each child's individual needs. It has a very warm and friendly atmosphere and parents and community members are encouraged to participate in the children's activities on a regular basis.

2001 saw the program move into a purpose built facility, with the official opening in June, attended by Hon. Alex Somylay MP Federal Member for Fairfax and Ms. Cate Molloy MP Member for Noosa. This was a major achievement for the population of children with special needs in the Noosa District.

The Special Education Staff and families assist the children in their endeavour to develop to their full potential.

Special Education Unit

The Noosaville Special Education Unit operates an Early Special Education Program and a school aged Special Education Program.

The SEU currently has a coding for Hearing Impairment and Multiple Impairment. It offers signing programs and total communication for children with a hearing impairment and programs for children with multiple disabilities. It is a cluster school for children with physical impairments.

Special Education Programs are developed and implemented for children with:-

* Hearing Impairment

* Vision Impairment

* Speech Language Impairment

* Physical Impairment

* Intellectual Impairment

* Autistic Spectrum Disorder

In 2006 a new purpose built classroom block was opened.  The building has been designed for children with multiple disabilities. Facilities include lifting equipment, disability toilets, bathroom, kitchen and therapy rooms.

The philosophy of the school towards children with special needs is one of inclusion. This is an Education Queensland policy and is seen in the daily programs offered at Noosaville State School. Individual programs focus on the balance of meeting educational needs and maximising social participation. Many of the children are integrated into their regular class with both in-class support and special teacher aides assisting in individualised programs. As well as the regular curriculum, life skills and social skills programs are offered.

Working with children with special needs provides the opportunity for staff members to investigate new and varied formats for teaching and learning across the curriculum. Close associations with parents and family members mean that individual goals are carried across home and school environments for greater opportunities of learning practical skills that will assist the children in the wider community.

For further information contact: Steve Olsen (Head of Special Education Services) PH: (07) 54403222