Trainee Educational Therapist

DYSLEXIA ASSOCIATION OF SINGAPORE
ORGANISATION PROFILE
Join a rapidly growing organisation that has over 300 full time and flexi scheme employees, and
operates from 12 centres all over Singapore

The Dyslexia Association of Singapore (DAS) provides a continuum of services for struggling learners
with dyslexia and other learning challenges their parents, mainstream teachers and other
professionals in the field of dyslexia in Singapore.
Position Trainee Educational Therapists - Full Time
Division/Branch Main Literacy Programme, English Language & Literacy (ELL) Division
Receive training to become a specialist professional - to provide educational therapy and help shape
the lives of struggling learners with dyslexia and other learning challenges, to achieve their true
potential in life when given the right guidance and support.

at the DAS.

Programmes under the DAS
Struggling learners with dyslexia and other learning challenges once assessed by DAS Specialist
Psychologists from the SpLD Assessment Services (SAS) Division, are referred to the Main Literacy
Programme (MLP) under the English Language & Literacy (ELL) Division. Many children are also
referred to DAS by psychologists from MOE, hospitals and private practice. These children attend
classes in MOE schools and come to the DAS for additional support after school hours. Students
normally come to the 12 DAS learning centres for two hours a week during the regular school term.
DAS classes are kept to an average of four to five students in a class to ensure individual attention can
be provided. Our educational therapy is based on the Orton-Gillingham approach and covers a range
of literacy skills including phonics, which enables struggling learners with dyslexia and other learning
challenges to learn better and become independent learners. DAS Educational Therapists also meet
up regularly with learners’ parents to give feedback, advice and encouragement.

The duties and responsibilities of MLP Educational Therapists include
- Conduct lessons in a group setting (5 to 6 students in a class).
- Conduct assessments at least twice a year in a group setting.
- Develop teaching methods and instructional materials that meet young learners’ varying

needs.
- Monitor the academic progress of the students.
- Write progress reports, share information and discuss issues relating to students’

learning progress with parents during the school terms.
- Conduct Meet-the-Parents sessions at the end of each semester (twice a year).
- Be involved in the conduct of awareness talks and training courses.
- Be engaged in curriculum and resource design and development, action research and

pilot studies.
- Participate in any other duties as assigned.
- OTHER AREAS OF INVOLVEMENT
Educational Therapists (EdTs) are also actively involved in the conduct of awareness talks and training
courses. These activities are conducted at DAS centres, national libraries, community centres and MOE
schools. EdTs are also encouraged to participate in research projects. As a not-for-profit organisation,
all DAS staff are expected to take part in fundraising activities as and when required.
HEAR FROM OUR CURRENT EDUCATIONAL THERAPISTS
Get a glimpse of the journey and experience of an Educational Therapist through these featured
articles by our current Educational Therapists:
1. Lead Educational Therapist, Ms Hani Zohra
Hani’s passion for special education pushes her to mentor not only students but other teachers as well

2. Lead Educational Therapist, Mr Steven Sim
From chemical engineer to award-winning special needs educator

3. Lead Educational Therapist, Mr Vishnu Ragunathan
Policeman to Educational Therapist

4. Senior Educational Therapist, Ms Zaidah
My journey as an Educational Therapist

5. Educational Therapist, Ms Wencyglen Oropesa
Wency’s Journey: Navigating Dyslexia Education With Purpose
SPONSORED TRAINING
The DAS places great emphasis on providing professional service. To help Trainee MLP Educational
Therapists develop as teachers of struggling learners with dyslexia and other learning challenges,
they will attend a Certificate in Dyslexia Studies course and three weeks of intensive training. As they
commence teaching, they will at the same time undergo a six-month mentoring programme, followed
by further training culminating in an award at a specialist diploma level (Specialist Diploma in
Educational Therapy).

MLP Educational Therapists (EdTs) will also attend specialist workshops and in-service training. As part
of their continuous professional development, EdTs may be required to undertake a postgraduate
certificate in Special Educational Needs (PGC SEN).

All EdTs are encouraged to explore, and DAS will support relevant professional development
thereafter.
3-YEAR BOND
In view of the investment in our Educational Therapists (EdTs), they are required to sign an initial 3
- year bond. The training for the Certificate course, Specialist Diploma and Postgraduate Certificate
(PGC) will