Kindle Garden, started by social service agency Awwa, takes in about 70 children a year with a ratio of 70 typical to 30 children with special needs, said principal Sandy Koh. It usually has a wait list for children with special needs.
She said: “We are heartened to see others join us in this space because we believe children of every ability and talent should have access to quality education in a common and conducive environment.”
An inclusive pre-school benefits not just children with additional needs, but typically developing children as well, said experts.
![](https://www.kindlegarden.com.sg/wp-content/uploads/2021/09/child-playing-1.jpg)
National Institute of Education associate dean of education research Kenneth Poon said that having classmates with special needs helps to develop children’s socioemotional skills.
He added: “Inclusive education from a young age also serves as a platform to nurture empathy.
“A positive interaction between a child with developmental needs and his or her classmates will develop a sense of comfort and welcome that persons with special needs require to participate in society and community activities.”
Associate Professor Poon is one of the co-chairs of the inclusive pre-school work group, which earlier this year put forth recommendations to improve inclusive education here.