WHAT CAN PARENTS DO?
Dyslexia can be diagnosed very early. As a parent, you know your children best and are often the first ones to notice that your child has challenges in learning. Parents are the best advocates for their child and partnering with educators can provide the best support for their educational Progress.
Tips for parents can be found in the DAS Parents Handbook, in DAS Publications and on the DAS BLOG.
Click here to understand more about dyslexia.
Parents can also learn about their child's learning differences by taking workshops and courses at the find out more here. They can also utilise funding to do this. The Caregivers Training Grant (CTG) is available to all DAS Parents. Find out more here
Caregivers Training Grant (CTG)
This is a grant to support caregivers of the elderly or any persons with disabilities in attending training, seminars and workshops related to caregiving in order to equip them with relevant knowledge and skills and to help them better cope with the challenges of caregiving.
Amount of Grant: $200 per Care Recipient
* The $200 grant can be utilised:
1) To attend any of the CTG Approved Training Courses over the financial year at any VWO.
2) By different caregivers of the same care recipient.
Validity: 1 April – 31 March the following year
Payment Required by Caregiver: Co-payment of $10 (subject to the balance of CTG)
The CTG is provided by AIC find out more here
Early Intervention is Vital
Early identification and early intervention are vital. Children with dyslexia are often unable to reach their full potential due to their learning differences and may be frustrated with learning. Early identification and intervention can enhance his learning experiences. For a parent, nothing can be more satisfying than seeing your child beam with confidence. Help your child develop a more positive learning experience and boost his self-esteem.
Parents, you play an important role and your child will thank you for it, we thank you too!
Dyslexia can only be formally diagnosed through an assessment by an educational or specialist psychologist.
If your child shows some of these signs & symptoms of a learning difference like dyslexia, please send your child for an assessment. To find out more about psycho-educational assessments at DAS, please click here.
DAS Main Literacy Programme (MLP)
Parents' Orientation
MLP Parents' Orientation is conducted termly by the Parents Support Group (PSG) for all parents. Planned dates for MLP Parents' Orientation are made available on our website. Please look out for the notifications from our Learning Centres nearer to the dates. All parents of yet-to-be or newly enrolled students and any persons who might benefit are strongly encouraged to attend. This gives us an opportunity to welcome you and share information on how best to support your child. Our aim is to attempt to answer all your questions to the best of our ability and help make the transition smooth for your child.
Parents' orientation will help you understand how:
- the DAS Main Literacy Programme supports your child with dyslexia,
- your child's progress is monitored and shared with you and
- you can also find out what else you can do to help your child.
This talk will benefit you regardless of whether your child is an existing student, is waiting for an assessment, waiting to be placed in a DAS class, or you are keen to know more about our programmes.
ADMISSION IS FREE! To register, email psg@das.org.sg
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* The event dates may be subjected to change.
We organise regular talks for our DAS parents to provide a supportive community, sharing tips and strategies to help their child with their studies. Join us for our upcoming talks!
DAS PARENTS' PORTAL
The DAS Parents’ portal provides access to Parents to do the following:
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Update students’ particulars such as school/level and contact details.
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Apply for services such as SPLD Assessments/Review Assessments and Profiling by accessing the Main Application Form
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Apply for DAS Programmes such as Math, Chinese, Speech and Drama Arts, ArtVenture, iStudySmart, iReach AND MORE!
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Apply for a Bursary or the renew their current Bursary
Soon the DAS Parents’ Portal will allow Parents to view:
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Their child’s attendance
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Communications such as their child’s assessment report, progress reports and monthly performance updates received from his/her Educational Therapist
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Register for Events and Activities at DAS
THE DAS PARENTS' PORTAL CAN BE ACCESSED HERE
Having issues accessing the DAS Parents' Portal - Click here for assistance
PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION ACT
I give consent to DAS to collect, use and disclose mine and my child’s personal data for the following purposes:
- to notify me of relevant events or activities organised by DAS.
- to utilise pictures/videos/materials with regards to your child for training and research purposes.
Disclaimer: DAS may at its sole discretion, without prior notice, deny or terminate its services without assigning any reasons.
DAS PARENTS' TERMS AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE
These Terms and Conditions are set for the benefit of parents of Dyslexia Association of Singapore Limited (“DAS”) students to enable a clear understanding of the service provided by DAS. DAS reserves the right to update and revise the Terms and Conditions of Service below as and when necessary.
MOE FUNDING
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As MOE pays for approximately 50% of the tuition fees for the Main Literacy programme and/or you have obtained financial assistance from DAS, your child must maintain at least 75% attendance each term and should not miss more than 5 hours in a term in order to remain on the programme and/or be eligible for subsidised rates.
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Please note that DAS and MOE will conduct a review of your child's progress before his/her 48, 72 and 96 months on the Main Literacy Programme to determine if he/she has reached specific achievement points to be eligible for continued MOE funding.
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Please be advised that each child is eligible to attend only one MOE-funded programme. Parents are therefore required to inform DAS if your child is attending the School-based Dyslexia Remediation (SDR) programme or if there is an intention to enrol the child in SDR as each child is only entitled to attend either the SDR or MOE-funded DAS Main Literacy Programme.
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Effective 2022 and as agreed with MOE, DAS will make available supplementary classes in the form of Structured Mandatory Make Up (SMMU) at the end of each term for all Main Literacy Programme lessons missed due to gazetted public holidays, school holidays and DAS closure days such as Teacher’s day and eve of National Day. The dates and times of the SMMUs are non-negotiable and will be determined by DAS and advised to parents on a termly basis.
CLASSES
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Your child must be punctual for all his/her classes.
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For all non-MOE funded programmes, the fees payable are on per term and not per class basis, for any class that falls on a gazetted public holiday, school holiday and DAS closure days such as Teacher’s day and eve of National Day, there will be no replacement or refund of classes.
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Make up classes will only be conducted if DAS cancels any scheduled classes. No make up classes or refund of fees if a student is absent for a scheduled class for whatever reasons.
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Written withdrawal notification of at least 4 weeks must be given to DAS and all withdrawals will only take effect at the end of each term.
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Request for changes to the class schedule is subject to availability.
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For SES Speech Drama and Arts Programme (“SDA”), there will be a student performance held at the end of each calendar year instead of MTP.
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For quality assurance and training purposes, DAS may make video recordings of its classes.
In light of the recent increase in the number of COVID-19 cases, DAS classes may be required to be conducted online at short notice as mandated or recommended by the relevant government agencies.
To provide continuity for your child's learning, DAS classes will be conducted online if our educational therapist is tested positive but is well and able to continue to conduct classes virtually. Our educational therapist will give parents at least a day’s prior notice if classes are to switch online. If our educational therapist is tested positive on the day of class, then the class will be postponed and made up accordingly.
Parents/ Guardians are advised to provide support and devices to their child/ ward to attend online classes when required. Please do not hesitate to approach DAS colleagues should you require additional information.
FEES
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All term fees will be collected via GIRO.
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Late payment charges will be imposed. Please ensure prompt payment of fees as this may affect the continuation of your child’s classes.
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Should you require financial assistance, please contact your Centre Manager.
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Full term fees are payable even if a child withdraws mid-term. There will be no refund of fees paid.
OTHERS
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In order to graduate from the Main Literacy Programme, please note that your child must be a current student till the end of his/her graduating year.
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To better collaborate with professionals involved in your child’s education, DAS reserves the right to notify your child’s enrolment and his/her progress in DAS with your child’s school and/or the Ministry of Education (MOE).
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You will be liable for any damaged or lost DAS library books.
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DAS accepts no responsibility nor liability for losses/damages of any personal property or injury to person/s within DAS premises.
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Parents and/or guardians will accept full liability for any damage caused by the student to DAS property.
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Parents/Caregivers are advised to send/pick up their child 5 minutes before/after class.
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In the event your child is unwell or injured, DAS staff may administer basic first aid as it deems necessary. Should your child require more than basic first aid, DAS will call for emergency medical services and the parent/main caregiver/emergency contact (as provided to DAS) will be notified accordingly.
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If there are any changes to citizenship or the school attended by your child, please inform DAS immediately. Upon notification, if there are any changes to the fees payable by your child, it will take effect from the following term only.
PERSONAL DATA PROTECTION ACT
In accordance with the PDPA Act, I give consent to DAS to collect, use and disclose mine and my child’s personal data and educational information for the following purposes:
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to notify me of relevant events or activities organised by DAS.
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to utilise pictures/videos/materials with regards to your child for training and research purposes.
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for requesting continued funding support from the Ministry of Education (MOE). – Information such as literacy needs, intervention plans, progress at DAS, reports from DAS and other ancillary services will be shared with MOE.
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for collaboration with school teachers and Allied Educators and providing them with needful information such as literacy needs, intervention plans, progress at DAS, reports from DAS and other ancillary services. This is to ensure that your child obtains timely, appropriate and uninterrupted learning support.
Disclaimer: DAS may at its sole discretion, without prior notice, deny or terminate its services without assigning any reasons.
DAS PARENTS' SUPPORT GROUP (PSG)
The DAS Parent Support Group (PSG) was formed to provide support for parents of the students at DAS. It aims to organise inspirational sharing sessions with successful dyslexics, fun-filled activities just for DAS Students, their parents and even for the whole family. Be part of the PSG.
BE MORE ENGAGED
As a PSG member, you are more likely to be an informed and involved parent. You will also be building rapport with educators and supporting DAS's initiatives.
BE PART OF A NETWORK
We understand that parenting a child with learning differences is challenging. The PSG provides a platform for you to share ideas, concerns and experiences with other parents.
INCREASE YOUR GROWTH
Gain valuable experiences and grasp new opportunities, to support your child more effectively.
MAKE A DIFFERENCE
Provide DAS with feedback to make positive recommendations for change in our organisation.
BE A ROLE MODEL
By becoming a PSG member, you will demonstrate the importance you place on education and enhance your bond with your child.
PSG organised meetings/events are made known through our PSG Facebook and emails to parents.
The PSG Facebook group is a private group for DAS Parents and access is by invitation only.
If you would like to join the DAS PSG, please email to psg@das.org.sg
HELPING PARENTS
The more that parents understand their child's learning differences the better they are to advocate for their child and to support them at home.
Parents can upgrade themselves to better support their child. Read on to learn more!
DAS ACADEMYThe DAS Academy is a Private Education Institution (PEI) registered with the Committee for Private Education (CPE) - part of SkillsFuture Singapore (SSG), and has achieved a 4-year validity period, under the committee’s Enhanced Registration Framework. Led by a multi-disciplinary team that has extensive experience in providing direct support to people with specific learning differences (SpLD), the lecturers are able to use their skills and expertise in the design and delivery of the programmes offered by the DAS Academy. These programmes provide an academic pathway in the field of SpLD from foundation to postgraduate levels. The DAC Academy formed a partnership with the University of South Wales, UK in 2013 to launch the Master of Arts in Special Educational Needs (MA SEN). Accredited by the University of South Wales and jointly delivered by the DAS Academy, this programme has been well received by both educators and caregivers of people with special educational needs since its launch. Working with professional and educational bodies in Singapore and the region, the DAS Academy is committed to the professional development of teachers and staff in schools, to equip them with skills and strategies required to enable learners with SpLD reach their true potential. Having established a good professional standing in the field of SpLD, Das Academy works in collaboration with the government, educational and professional bodies to empower individuals who wish to make a difference in the lives of people with SpLD.
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REGISTER OF EDUCATIONAL THERAPISTS (ASIA)RETA is the Register of Educational Therapists (Asia). It is an initiative by the Dyslexia Association of Singapore and is advised by a panel of three distinguished members - Dr Kate Saunders, Ms Geetha Shantha Ram and Professor Angela Fawcett.
RETA was formed to connect practitioners in the field of Specific Learning Differences and Education while recognising their professional status and endorsing their qualifications at the same time.
Join RETA and make a difference in the lives of children with Specific Learning Difference. Click here to visit the RETA website.
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