Children are expected to develop at a designated chronological age, but differ greatly in their intellectual development and experience base. The Early Intervention Program (EIP) is designed to serve students ages 3-5 who are at risk of not reaching or maintaining their developmental milestones. The purpose of the Early Intervention Program is to provide additional therapeutic resources to help children who are not achieving these milestones.
Our program is designed to improve the developmental progress of children with Autism and other mild to moderate disabilities. We accomplish this through providing an intensive behavior intervention program that focuses on the following:
Cognitive Development
Multi-Sensory Learning Environment
Speech and Language Development
Fine Motor Skills
Coordination and Gross Motor Skills
Social, Emotional, and Behavioral Skills
Our uniquely designed curriculum utilizes best practices by providing Training through a Nurture model. This model provides a safe and predictable structured environment in small discrete classes. Our instructional and therapeutic staff model positive relationships, and emphasize the development of language and communication skills with a focus on social, emotional, and challenging behaviors.
As well as developing curriculum-based skills, children are encouraged to celebrate their own progress with acquiring skills such as listening; sharing, and turn-taking that will reduce or remove barriers to learning. To support social skills development of our early learners, OCSN will also collaborate with nearby nurseries to arrange play dates to encourage peer-to-peer interactions.
Our Early Intervention Program is a half-day program that operates from 8 am to 12 pm OR 9 am to 1 pm
Our program provides a structured, supportive setting with competent and caring staff who foster independence and self-determination through the development of independent living skills, social skills and self-esteem. We will address the needs of the “whole person” quickly and comprehensively by ensuring ongoing dialogue between staff, therapists, and the families. Services are provided in a success oriented, non-competitive setting that helps to increase self-awareness, student confidence and willingness to take risks in the learning environment.
Our two separate buildings provide an effective barrier for age appropriate learning experiences. Students are separated based on age, and grouped by ability level. Our lower level building accommodates ages 2-14, and our upper level building accommodates ages 14-21.
As each client has specific needs, we offer two optional schedules. All programs are offered Sunday thru Thursday unless otherwise indicated.
Full Day Program (8:30 am – 5:00 pm)
This program is designed to support those who have chosen our full day program services that includes intensive training services, and enrichment lessons such as smArt Choices, Yoga sessions, OCSN Top Chef, VIP Sensory Cinema Day, and EMPOWER that further develop social, motor, and sensory skills. students will also receive scrumptious and healthy cuisines for breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack to meet their dietary needs.
Half-Day Program (8:30 am – 12:30pm)
This program is designed to support those who have chosen our half-day program services that includes intensive training services. Students will also receive scrumptious and healthy cuisines for breakfast, lunch, and afternoon snack to meet their dietary needs.
Semi-Boarding Program (8:30 am – 8:00 pm)
OCSN is the first to offer a semi-boarding option for those with special needs. This includes the full day program activities with dinner and evening relaxation time. Our evening relaxation time includes a calming environment with soft music and soothing sensory activities facilitated by our caring team.
OCSN Individual Training Services (By Appointment Only)
A variety of services are offered based on individualized needs. Services include Speech & language Training, Physical and fitness training, Behavioral Interventions, Occupational and daily living skills training, and Academic Intervention services.
After-School Program (3:00 pm – 5:30 pm)
This program offers structured therapeutic activities that promote socialization among peers in an engaging environment. It is designed to address challenging behavioral issues and promote social interaction through the use of positive behavior interventions. We provide a variety of activities such as: Yoga, Cooking, Art, Music, Recreational Sports, Zumba for Kids, and more.
Respite Care (Saturdays Only 9:00 am – 3:00 pm)
OCSN understands that having a family member with special needs can be a challenge. It is easy for families to become stressed as they deal with their family’s needs, juggle medical and therapy appointments, and manage work and other responsibilities. This is why OCSN is the first to offer respite care services in the state of Qatar in a safe and caring environment for ages 6-21. Our care services include a relaxing and fun environment where those with special needs will be engaged in recreational, community, and socially based therapeutic activities. Individual therapy sessions are also available during this time by appointment only. At any time if you feel you need the help call:33483888 our founder will be able to support you.
Growth and Development Services
One size does not fit all. Our multi-disciplinary teams will address the individual developmental needs of those we serve by focusing on the following:
Cognitive Development
Our Functional Academics curriculum delivered by our multi-disciplinary team is suitable for those seeking to develop and improve:
Focus
Problem Solving
Behavior Regulation
Listening Skills
Self-monitoring
Reading
Math
Writing
Memory and Retention
Processing Skills
Multi-step Instructions
Organization and Planning
Multi-Sensory Learning Environment
If the world is not making sense for your loved ones, it may be a sensory issue. The world is filled with different sounds, sights, smells, textures, and tastes. When sensory input is not processed correctly it creates a neurological “traffic jam” which negatively impacts day-to-day living. Multi-sensory learning environments allow more cognitive connections and associations to be made with a concept. This means it is more easily accessible for information to be triggered and retrieved from the cognitive learning center.
Using sensory integration techniques, enhanced technology, and OCSN’s state-of-the-art Snoezelen Therapy room, our qualified occupational Trainer and multi-disciplinary team will design a plan to meet the individual needs of those requiring sensory support.
Speech and Language Development
Frustration, Confusion, Exasperation, Isolation. Communication is the lifeline of any relationship. The Speech Therapists at OCSN provides training for those who have difficulties with the following:
Expressive and Receptive Language Delays
Articulation and Oral Motor Disorder
Feeding Therapy
Apraxia
Voice Disorders
Stuttering
Phonological Awareness
Social Pragmatic Skills
Augmentative and Alternative Communication Systems (AAC)
Non-Verbal Communication
Auditory Processing
Fine Motor Skills
Fine motor skills are the foundation we all need before learning to brush teeth, write, or to even hold a spoon. Our Occupational Therapists use a variety of the latest techniques and technologies to strengthen and develop fine motor skills such as gripping, grasping, controlled release, turning, hand-eye coordination, and handwriting. Independently performing day-to-day activities builds self-esteem and confidence.
Coordination & Gross Motor Skills
Without coordination and balance, it is more difficult to perform daily tasks such as sitting, crawling, walking, running, skipping, and climbing. Our trained physiotherapists and adaptive physical education professionals identify causes and develop solutions to improve these essential skills. OCSN’s multi-disciplinary team will provide the building blocks necessary to develop the strength and endurance to manage the physical needs of daily tasks.
Social, Emotional & Behavioral Skills
Our positive behavior intervention program utilizes best practices by providing Training in a highly structured environment. This provides a safe and predictable structured setting in small discrete classes. Our multi-disciplinary team models positive relationships, and emphasize the development of language and communication skills with a focus on social and play, emotional, problem solving, and challenging behaviors encouraging individuals to foster and maintain lasting relationships.
B.E.S.T. TRANSITION PROGRAM
OSCN – B.E.S.T. Program: Building Excellence through Skills Training
Beyond the growth and development areas, the Ontario Centre for Special Needs offers the B.E.S.T. Life Skills and Pre-Vocational program for teens and young adults with developmental disabilities from ages 13 to 21. B.E.S.T. focuses on preparing students to live, work, and recreate in integrated community settings. Students will learn soft skills such as communication, cooperation, time-management, following directions, organization, work ethic, attitude, appearance, problem solving, conflict resolution, self-confidence, health and wellness, and more. The collaboration of family and service providers ensures the development of a successful plan for each student aligned to their interests and strengths by providing the tools to achieve peace-of-mind for the future.
Empower Through Technology:
Technology is the great equalizer for those with special needs. OCSN is able to maximize students’ potential using the latest technology in innovative and creative ways. Our goal is to be at the forefront of this vast field of knowledge by providing our students with the latest technology programs, tools and devices to facilitate learning. We use a variety of specifically designed products including Apple, Inc. computer technology and applications fully infused throughout the curriculum and training services as a form of assistive technology to enhance learning in the following:
Organizational Skills
Communication
Reading
Writing
Math
Art
Music
Sensory Strategies
Social and Behavioral Skills
VIP Sensory Cinema
Ontario Center for Special Needs is proud to offer the first sensory friendly VIP Cinema in the state of Qatar. The theater is specifically designed to create a comfortable, plush viewing environment for individuals with Autism or other special needs, and their families. Movies are carefully selected to ensure a fun, family-friendly viewing experience. All OCSN program participants will enjoy this experience during their scheduled time. This program feature allows students to practice and apply sensory and behavior regulation, vocational training, and social skills.
Our VIP Sensory Cinema has limited seating, and is available to individuals with special needs and their families by reservation only during our scheduled premieres. Our theatre allows an enjoyable family experience without the anxiety often associated with public outings.
Ontario Music
This activity focuses participants on playing instruments, group singing, improving gross motor skills, and enhancing interpersonal skills
Ontario Art
Focuses on collaboration through participation in theme-based projects, use of different media, and development of fine motor skills while encouraging participants to feel proud of their artistic accomplishments
Ontario Café
Designed to improve students’ ability to request their desires, table etiquette, and learned patience.
Ontario Top Chef
Through the cooking classes participants will learn practical life skills
Ontario Fitness
Focuses on the strengthening gross motor skills through fun and specialized physical activities
Ontario Game Time
Use of circle, board, and sports games to enhance social skills, sharing, and following directions
Ontario Performing Arts
Through drama and music therapy participants will learn to effectively communicate and interact with their peers. Participants will work towards creating a performance that incorporates music, singing, dialogue and movement.
Speech therapy helps improve your child's communication skills in his or her everyday living environments. Can your child benefit from speech and language therapy? Speech therapy can help children with learning and behavior disorders, congenital defects, or genetic disorders such as:
Apraxia
Autism spectrum disorders/pervasive developmental disorders
Cerebral palsy
Craniofacial abnormalities
Down syndrome
Dysphagia
Hearing impairments/cochlear implants
Learning disabilities
Traumatic brain injury
Articulation Disfluencies
Speech Therapy covers 5 areas of language: Pragmatics, Syntax, Semantic, Phonology and Morphology and our professionals are trained in each area. Approximately 10% of children struggle with a communication disorder. At OCSN we offer individual sessions as wells as group sessions to be able to give the most comprehensive care.
Milestones
12-18 months
Attempts to copy your sounds
Uses vocabulary of at least 10 spoken words
Understands "No"
Points or reaches to a desired object while producing sounds
Understands simple directions
18-24 months
Attempts to copy your words
Uses a variety of words
Has vocabulary of 50 words or more
Combines 2 words
Follows novel commands
Follows more complex directions
Takes turns in conversations
2-3 years old
Responds to simple questions
Understands location words
Identifies objects by function
Jargons (unintelligible adult-like speech)
Uses 2- and 3-word phrases
Uses 200 or more words
Asks questions
3-4 years old
Talks about daily events
Uses 4-word sentences
Answers questions logically
Explains how objects are used
4-5 years old
Talks easily with adults
Follows multiple step directions
Understands descriptive and time concepts
Understands and uses prepositions
Explains and describes words
Associate’s letters with a sounds
5-6 years old
Retells stories
Recognizes and produces rhyme
Recalls information
The Bridge Program allows your school to welcome children with Special Education Needs using a very structured, organized and professional protocol Without causing any major changes to your school program, or overwhelming the classroom teachers & other students in the class.
We do not work with a Shadow Teacher model, we provide a full team of professionals to meet the individual needs of each student and make sure that every area of development is covered. Helping the students access the curriculum by making the right modifications and making the necessary accommodation's to ensure their success in school. The inclusion teacher then becomes one member of the team.
We work in schools & close to the team on daily basis, to ensure that quality of the Service provided by The Ontario Center for Special Needs is maintained.
Allow us to help you make your school a center of excellence in the area of Special Education Needs
Areas Of Service
Autism
Down Syndrome
Learning & Cognitive Disorders
Emotional & Behavioral Disorders
Speech & Language Disorders
Motor Disorders
Physical Disorders
The Bridge Program Classroom Classification
Early Intervention 1 classes
Pre K
KG1
KG2
10- Students
Lower Primary 2 classes
Grades 1-2
High Functioning
Low Functioning
20 Students
Upper Primary 2 classes
Grades 3-5
High Functioning
Low Functioning
20 Students
Academic Unit Support
Grades-K-6
Students with Learning Disability
No neurological conditions
15% of School population will need learning support at the Bridge classes