If you have a child with autism, intellectual disabilities, or other forms of learning difficulty, finding the special education programs that provide them with the best opportunity to realize their full potential and achieve success can be a challenge. The best special needs public schools in Toronto are those that do not just focus on ticking off academic qualifications but also follow a more holistic approach.
What is a holistic approach to education?
The holistic approach considers a person or system as a whole instead of just focusing on an individual part. It is used in many areas of life, including healthcare and criminal justice, where it does not just treat immediate symptoms or behaviours; but also looks at underlying causes and overall quality of life.
For people with special needs, it means focusing not only on disabilities and the challenges they represent but also trying to identify each individual's unique strengths and how they can be used to build a happy and healthy life with a maximum degree of independence.
In the context of education, a holistic approach means encouraging a student to engage physically, mentally, emotionally, and spiritually. This may include academic basics such as literacy and numeracy, but also constructing a system of values and philosophies that can be used throughout life.
The focus is not on specific qualifications but on a general love of learning, finding a greater purpose, experiencing the world, and creating connections with other people and with the wider environment. It allows each student to identify their distinct strengths, whether or not they are in the traditional classroom, and can help build innovative strategies for dealing with their unique challenges.
Laws governing special education
Education is governed in part by law, particularly the Education Act, as well as policies and regulations. Regulations are set by the Ontario Department of Education. The Toronto District School Board (TDSB) is the main body overseeing public education, including special education in Toronto, although there is also an independent and secular Francophone board, and both Anglophone and Francophone Catholic school boards. Full information on the services available is listed on the relevant websites.
There are official procedures for identifying students whose behavioural, intellectual, communicational, or physical needs mean they need additional support to be successful in school, in addition to deciding what form that support should take. There are rules about how many instructional hours should be available, necessary qualifications and experience for teachers, funding, and nearly every aspect of the education system for children with disabilities. Not all regulations will apply to private schools, but some do, and the best private schools will be regularly inspected, fully accredited, and follow best practices.
Special needs public schools in Toronto
Special needs public schools in Toronto function in different ways. Every child with disabilities is unique, and the kind of support that they need varies widely. Therefore, it is important to identify their specific requirements so they can be placed in the best classroom for their needs. Sometimes, they may be able to function well in mainstream schools as long as they have one or two reasonable accommodations. In other cases, they may need more intensive support in a specialist school.
· Effective Assessments
The assessment and placement process involves the child, their parents or carers, plus professionals experienced in working with different kinds of disabilities. Communication with teachers, support workers, psychologists, and other relevant individuals is important to ensure that all the child's needs will be met instead of just focusing on ensuring they will have an adequate academic education.
· Personalized attention
Sometimes, a private school may be able to offer more personalized support than a larger and more restricted public school can provide. Brighton School is one example. For the past 20 years, it has been offering the regular Ontario curriculum, but in smaller classes and with additional programming to teach social interaction, self-advocacy, independent living skills, and anything else that may be necessary to help a child prepare for further education, work, or for managing their household as an autonomous adult.
· Induction of Modern Technology
Modern technology, work experience placements, and other aspects of the holistic approach ensure that each child receives tailored support that builds on their strengths. Some students spend some time at the Brighton School before returning to mainstream education, better equipped to deal with life.
Conclusion
A holistic education allows a student to become a better-rounded individual by teaching a wider range of skills and achievements than simple academics. It is helpful for children with disabilities, who often find traditional academics particularly challenging. Finding a school that provides a holistic education through special education programs may allow the student to become happier and more self-confident, in addition to allowing them a greater degree of autonomy in their adult life.
