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 children with
dyslexia, their parents, mainstream teachers and other professionals in the field of dyslexia in Singapore.

**JOB DESCRIPTION**

Position

Educational Therapist (Chinese) - Flexi Scheme

Division/Branch Chinese Programme, SES Division

We are looking for individuals with a passion in teaching Chinese but are not able to commit to a full-time
short notice to cover classes at the different DAS learning centres. They must be able to commit to this
(MOE) before they can start teaching at the DAS.

**Programmes under the DAS**

Children with dyslexia, once assessed by DAS Specialist Psychologists from the SpLD Assessment Services
division, are referred to the Main Literacy Programme (MLP) under our English Language and 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 students 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 children with dyslexia to learn better and become
independent learners. DAS Educational Therapists also meet up regularly with learners’ parents to give
feedback, advice and encouragement.

Over the years, we have received many equests from parents to provide support in the Chinese
Language as well. While some research and remediation programmes have been ongoing in China, Hong
Kong and Taiwan, Singapore's unique multilingual environment and learning of Chinese as a second
language require differentiation as the challenges that children with dyslexia face in Singapore are
different.

The DAS Chinese Team has piloted research in this area in 2009 and kickstarted the Chinese programme for
children with dyslexia in Singapore in 2013. The programme, under the Specialised Educational Services
(SES) division currently has an enrolment of more than 300 students and has supported more than 500
students over the years.

**The duties and responsibilities of a DAS Educational Therapist (Chinese) includes**

Providing intervention in the Chinese language in a small group setting

Participating in research to evaluate the effectiveness of the programme

Undergoing continued training to enhance teaching practices and receive other
relevant training as required

Responding to relief teaching needs where necessary.

**TRAINING PROVIDED**

The DAS places great emphasis on providing a professional service. To help Educational Therapists
(Chinese) on the flexi scheme (Flexi Chinese EdTs) develop in their professional practice, they **will**
**need to** attend the Certificate in Dyslexia Studies and the Specialist Diploma in Educational Therapy
(Chinese Support). There will also be ongoing training in your time with the DAS.

The DAS will fully sponsor the course fees for the training. In view of the sponsorship, there is a 2
- year minimum service period (MSP).

While the DAS is invested in providing training and support, Flexi Chinese EdTs are expected to
invest their personal time for the training and other matters such as attending lectures, completing
the necessary course work and preparing lesson plans for the classes they are teaching.

**MINIMUM SERVICE PERIOD**

In view of the full sponsorship by the DAS for the training course fees, a Bond or Minimum Service
Period (MSP) will apply. The length of the MSP is 640 teaching hours which normally takes two (2) years
to attain.

Compensation to the DAS is payable when the Flexi Educational Therapist (Chinese) do not fulfil the
MSP obligations.

**COMPETENCIES**

**Personal Competencies (Core) :**

Positive learning attitude

Great drive and initiative

Passionate in working with children of all

ages

**REQUIREMENTS**

**Education**:
Degree from a recognised

university, in any discipline.

**Experience:**

Experience in teaching

MOE schools and/or
other relevant
qualifications will be an
advantage.

Familiarity with the

MOE Chinese Curriculum
is preferred.

**Other Skills & Knowledge:**

Proficient in both
English and Chinese

languages.

Willing to be part of a

team that carries out
research, develops and
delivers the Chinese
programme for the
DAS.

Ability to work flexible

hours including
weekday evenings and
weekends.

**WORKING HOURS**

Flexi Educational Therapists (Chinese) are expected to conduct their classes on weekday afternoons
and evenings up to 9 pm and on Saturdays & Sundays during MOE