Teaching principles
Teaching principles and practice
“Ask me not what I can do for children with cerebral palsy, but ask me what they can learn to do for themselves." (Dr. Peto)
Education for life
The focus at the PACE centre is on early and intensive input, preferably beginning at under 12 months of age. We believe:
- In each child's ability to learn, no matter how great the degree of physical disability
- That all learning is learning for life
- That every activity of daily life offers an opportunity for learning
Integrated programmes
We teach integrated learning programmes inspired by Conductive Education, addressing physical, academic, social, language and emotional development. Every day is carefully planned and provides new experiences mixed with opportunities for repetition and practice of skills. Programmes include:
- Learning to participate actively and become more independent in everyday functional skills, such as dressing, eating, brushing teeth, getting on and off the toilet
- Learning to move independently
- Learning to communicate and interact with others
- Encouragement to acquire social skills such as turn taking, sharing, helping
- Developing early conceptual play skills such as shape, size and number into a foundation for academic learning
- Opportunities for children to experience life in the wider community as well as learning a mutual respect for their peers
- Learning academic skills appropriate to the age and ability of the child
