Tesoma Daycare Centre integrated group
Keltainen 2 / Auringot
Keltainen 2
tel. 0400 545324
Special needs teacher for early childhood education
040 8064053
The integrated group at Tesoma Daycare Centre, Keltainen 2, is one of seven integrated groups in the western area.
Because an integrated group does not necessarily operate at every child's nearest daycare centre, some of the children come to daycare by taxi. There are 14 children in the Keltainen 2 group, 6 of whom need strong support to learn and grow. They are joined by 8 peer playmates.
The group is staffed by 4 adults, including 2 early childhood education teachers, 1 early childhood education worker and 1 group assistant. A special needs early childhood education teacher is present in the group one morning a week to ensure the rehabilitation of children in need of support.
Come join us at Auringot!
In the Yellow 2 group, we use a strong structure, sign language, pictures, and various other aids to support learning. On the one hand, the activities are similar to those in any other group, but on the other hand, they are more structured than usual.
On the wall of the group room, there is an illustrated weekly calendar and a daily schedule that follows a nearly identical pattern every day. The daily schedule is always reviewed with the children during a shared morning circle, after which the children split up into activities according to the plans. Any changes to the daily schedule are always indicated with pictures.
In our group, part of the day is spent in small groups. A small group may consist of 1–5 children, depending on the activity and how much individual guidance the children need. When planning activities, we take into account that children learn best from one another. Small-group work and adult support ensure that children receive help exactly where and when they need it.
However, adults guide and assist children while supporting their own initiative and participation in the activities. We do not do things for the children; instead, we accept that the activities reflect the children’s own perspectives and that their views are taken into account.
Since integrated groups typically include children who need more visual support for their language and speech development, the group pays closer attention—perhaps more so than other groups—to ensuring that the adult’s speech is clear, instructions are given concisely, the children’s speech is modeled, and their expression is supported with positive encouragement.
The staff strives to use sign language and pictures to support speech in all situations throughout the day. Visual support for communication, choosing activities, and progressing through tasks is provided using individual pictures or sets of pictures, for example, during dressing and mealtimes. Occasionally, we also use communication folders or communication apps on tablets with individual children to help them learn to express their own needs.
To promote predictability and smooth daily routines, we also make extensive use of other assistive devices.
Various sensory pillows and toys, weighted blankets and dogs, as well as, for example, designated dressing areas, are actively used. We often use a TimeTimer to help children visualize the passage of time. Some children also occasionally use their own personal assistive devices, such as a rollator, bicycle, wheelchair, and pressure suit.
Speech, occupational, and physical therapists also visit the early childhood education and care centre to provide therapy and consult with the group’s adults. The presence of therapists in the rooms and hallways makes the children’s rehabilitation a natural part of their daily lives.
See you at Auringot!
