Lighthouse School

ABOUT US

Group PhotoThe Mission of the Lighthouse School is to help children with challenging needs develop their unique abilities to its fullest potential through individualized and innovative programmes, implemented by a caring and professional staff, in a dynamic partnership with parents and the community.

Inclusion Statement
 Persons with special needs must be given every opportunity to fully participate in the society. All facilities and services should be made accessible to enable them to do so. This should not be seen as granting them a privilege but as a basic human right which would allow the Differently Abled to freely participate in community activities.

The Differently Abled also have emotions, desires and hopes. They must be given the support and enjoy the benefit of available resources whereby they can rise to their full potential.

Philosophy
The school's philosophy is one of partnership and cooperation among teachers, parents, children and support services. Parental involvement is encouraged at all levels in the child's assessment and educational development, as well as the child's future.

Aims

  1. To enable the child to communicate with people in his/her environment
  2. To respond to individuals in an appropriate and friendly manner
  3. To acquire the skills and knowledge that will help them to enjoy as independent a life as is possible

Goals

  • That the Special Education programme will be accepted as an integral part of the total Cayman Islands schools' programme.
  • That appropriate placement procedures in remedial and vocational programmes will be provided for all children with special needs.
  • That professional services will be utilised in the diagnosis, placement and treatment of all children with special needs.
  • That children with special needs will be provided with appropriate teaching techniques, sound educational management and the necessary equipment, materials and facilities.
  • That each child with special needs will be given the opportunity to achieve his/her maximum potential so as to become a functioning member of society.

Curriculum
Children are instructed in the core areas of Language Arts, Mathematics, Science and Social Studies. Physical Education, Music and Art are also part of the daily programme. Pre-vocational and living skills programmes are included to encourage more independence, among our children, for community living. Audio visual materials, videotapes and computer programmes are utilized to assist and accelerate the learning of concepts and skills. Expected new programmes include: Design Technology, Library Media Science and Information Technology.

Homework Policy
As a policy, children are given home work frequently and are encouraged to take it back to school. The practice of skills or following instruction is very important for cementing, comprehending and completing tasks.

Student Registration and Attendance
Parents who are desirous in having their child(ren) attend the Lighthouse School should contact the school's Principal, Deputy Principal or the Special Education Advisor at the Education Department, to discuss the matter. Children may also be referred to the school by a school principal.

Placement of children on the Early Intervention Programme may be done through the office of the Special Education Advisor.

Children are expected to attend school on a daily basis except for weekends and the days which are designated as being school holidays. Reasons for a child's absence from school should be communicated to the school's personnel by the parent or guardian, at all times. Failure to communicate such absences may result in conflict with the law.

Policy on Discipline
It is essential that discipline and appropriate behaviours be maintained in a firm but kind and consistent manner. All children can be naughty and devious at times but the school has a policy of rewarding appropriate and desirable behaviours with positive reinforcements. Awards are given for various achievements. Behaviours that are negative, or inappropriate, are dealt with in a constructive manner.

Parental involvement in children's education is encouraged at all levels. Parents are often consulted about behaviours, in general, but moreso when difficult situations arise. Occasionally guidance is sought from the education psychologist and the school's counselor. The school also offers much support and guidance to parents in the management of their children. A close relationship is maintained with Social Services to provide advice for parents who request such assistance.