Prospectus 2016 - Kids Like Us · Kids Like Us is a registered charity ABN 18 163 014 328 1 ... educate teachers in how best to teach and provide support for 2e students in the classroom;

Prospectus

2016

www.kidslikeus.org.au [email protected]

https://www.facebook.com/KLUau

http://www.kidslikeus.org.au/

mailto:[email protected]


Printed on 15/04/16

Kids Like Us is a registered charity ABN 18 163 014 328 1

Contents Who we are and what we do ................................................................................................................ 2

Our staff ................................................................................................................................................ 3

Directors ........................................................................................................................................... 3

Education .......................................................................................................................................... 4

Wellbeing and Counselling ................................................................................................................ 4

Process: ................................................................................................................................................. 5

Intervention ...................................................................................................................................... 6

Family action ..................................................................................................................................... 6

KLU action ......................................................................................................................................... 6

Next steps: ............................................................................................................................................ 7

These may include….......................................................................................................................... 7

Academic Support: ............................................................................................................................ 7

Next steps (continued):......................................................................................................................... 8

Wellbeing: ......................................................................................................................................... 8

Next steps (continued):......................................................................................................................... 9

Peer-to-Peer Support: ....................................................................................................................... 9

Administration and Funding ............................................................................................................... 10

KLU Progress Checklist ........................................................................................................................ 11

Contact us and further information .................................................................................................... 11

Printed on 15/04/16


Who we are and what we do

Kids Like Us (KLU) is a community services not-for profit organisation, operating a social enterprise

model with DGR status. Currently based in Sandringham, Victoria, we support and advocate for

twice-exceptional (2e) students; educate teachers in how best to teach and provide support for 2e

students in the classroom; and support students’ families.

Someone who is 2e is above average in something (intellect, physical, creativity, leadership, etc.),

while also having a challenge of some kind – this may be officially identified as living with one or

more disabilities, learning differences or social emotional problems …or it may not. These challenges

can be anything from Autism to Dyslexia, or ADHD to medical issues, and can have a significant

effect on how well a person is able to learn.

These students come from all cultural, ethnic, social or economic groups. They are often

misunderstood as disengaged, frustrated or asynchronous, meaning that they are unable to get the

support they need to achieve their full potential. This commonly results in low academic

performance and can cause long-term mental health issues, including low self-esteem and

depression. In extreme cases, this can lead to self-harm and suicide.

Our vision is that all 2e students will be identified and supported in a learning environment suitable

for their individual requirements. Much of who we are and what we become as an organisation is

shaped by the young people that we work with. We are constantly finding new and different ways to

help them to get what they need.

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Our staff

Directors

Catherine Kirby, CEO and Director

Catherine is 2e and a parent of three 2e children. She is a Fellow

of the School of Social Entrepreneurs, and holds qualifications in

Narrative Therapy and teaching students with dyslexia, learning

differences and giftedness. With her background in business

management and her strong social conscience, Catherine

supports parents, works alongside students and develops our

programs.

Anne Jackson, Co-Founder and Director of Education

Anne came to work with 2e children through her own personal

and professional story as a mother of a “gifted-but-not-happy”

son. Through her decades-long journey of discovery into the

twice-exceptional world, Anne has gained a wealth of

educational experience in the gifted and special education area,

and works tirelessly to support the students of Kids Like Us.

Some of her qualifications include:

Professional Certificate of Adolescent Counselling (2001),

Monash University

Graduate Diploma of Counselling (2005), ACAP (NSW)

Master of Education (Gifted) (2006), Flinders University (SA)

Diploma of Abnormal Psychology (2009), Warnborough

College (UK)

Master of Education (Special Education) (2011), Flinders University (SA)

Certificate of Narrative Therapy (2014), Narrative Practices Adelaide (SA)

Certificate of Gifted Education (2016), UNSW (NSW)

VIT registration

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Our Staff (continued)

Education Sarah Ashcroft Sarah holds 18+ years’ experience as a Higher Level Teaching Assistant with students of diverse ages, abilities and needs in mainstream school. She encourages kids in their own development.

Lucie Smith Lucie is a VIT registered and highly qualified secondary Mathematics and Science teacher with 20+ years of teaching experience and experience in special and inclusive education.

Lisa Gilchrist Lisa is a VIT registered primary school teacher. She helps students to believe in their own abilities, giving them a range of tools to solve reading, spelling, research and maths problems.

Caroline Roberts Caroline is a VIT registered primary school teacher. With expertise in supporting dyslexic children, she uses multi-sensory methods to suit different learning styles, needs and interests.

Patrick Burke Patrick holds 9 years’ experience teaching English, History and ESL. He is author of numerous secondary Humanities and History texts, as well a former VCE examiner in History.

Alan Wilkes Alan teaches Mathematics, and holds extensive experience in tailoring programs to match the needs of students in all years of secondary Mathematics and Science.

John Broadbent John is our Tech Tutor, having been closely associated with the Gifted Support Network for over a decade. He runs KLU’s Coding Club, as well as GSN “Minecraft Madness” days.

Wellbeing and Counselling Kim Billington Kim has experience in special education, teaching, and as a counsellor. Holding a Master of Counselling and qualified in Narrative therapy, she’s a Tuning into Kids facilitator, and works with issues from family stress to grief and loss.

Dr Kate Jacobs Kate is a decorated educational psychologist. Lecturing at Monash University and Director and Principal Psychologist at Raise the Bar Psychology, she provides educational assessments, interventions and support.

Angela Chaousis (Mellas) Angela is highly qualified in mindfulness in meditation, education and counselling. With 10+ years in her field, she has supported 2e, gifted and asynchronous young people, and more.

Tom Bell Tom has 15+ years’ experience with young people, working with over 70’000 teenagers in that time. He has also developed and delivered facilitation training for the Reach foundation.

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Process:

Family appointment, during which we:

o get to know the student and their family, and some of the challenges they are facing

Three 1:1 ‘Unpacking’ sessions with student, during which we:

o explore the child’s learning needs,

o identify what the child finds hard/easy,

o discuss the supports available in school (teachers, pastoral staff, etc.),

o gain an understanding of the supports (technology, friends, teachers’ aids,

withdrawal classes, counsellors, tutoring) already offered in school/class/home,

o find out what the child wants to achieve and how they imagine doing so (e.g.

reading a specific book, becoming an astronaut),

o attempt to comprehend the child’s level of general emotional wellbeing (afraid,

nervous, playing fool),

o identify whether the child knows and understands their issues,

o investigate whether the child feels bullied by peers or others,

o determine the child’s willingness to make changes,

o perform a base level assessment of spelling and possibly reading and maths skills,

o discuss reports,

o outline simple strategies and suggestions that the child may integrate on their own

(e.g. speech-to-text on iPad),

o discuss the next steps and types of support required (e.g. groups or 1:1).

Parent appointment, during which we discuss:

o what KLU has discovered about your child,

o the next steps to take with school,

o the next steps to take at home,

o the next steps to take with KLU,

o discussing any additional screening or assessments that may be required

o a time schedule, alongside the parent support required during the process – not a

simple ‘pay and expect something to change’ scenario.

[email protected] www.kidslikeus.org.au https://www.facebook.com/KLUau

Printed on 15/04/16


Intervention Family action KLU action Initial contact Verbal referral by school/healthcare

professional/friend

Email or phone call to KLU Respond with details of service and fees. Provide a link to KLU prospectus.

Email request for new client appointment New client appointment and cancellation policy emailed.

Link to “care monkey” for parents to complete with intake information prior to new client appointment

Complete the care monkey online intake forms

New Client Appointment

Attend 1hr appointment. Family members welcome to attend. Student and parent discuss reason for attending KLU, and expectations of support required with KLU. Fee: $150 (no bursary contributions applicable for this appointment)

Listen to and discuss challenges faced by student and provide a verbal explanation of the specific short and long term supports that KLU can offer.

At this stage KLU may recommend direct entry into a social or academic program

3 “unpacking” appointments

Student will attend 3 x1hr appointments spread over a number of weeks. High school students are given priority of appointments after school hours. Primary students may be given appointments during the school day. A certificate can be provided for reason for absence on request. Fee: $320 for the 3appts (no bursary contributions applicable for these 3 appointments)

KLU counsellor works with student to “unpack” challenges. Baseline testing may be carried out. Student’s perception of needs and requirements are ascertained. KLU options are evaluated and student’s commitment to the process is established. Observations kept on student file at KLU.

ILP report KLU develops an Individual Learning Plan to be agreed with student and parents. This document will be the basis for ongoing support of the student whilst at KLU. Parents may wish to share this document with school however it does not replace the need for the school to develop an ILP. KLU accepts no responsibility for the KLU ILP taken into the school at this stage.

Review appointment

Parent(s) and student (if appropriate) 1hr appointment with KLU to discuss the findings of “unpacking” appointments, discuss and agree the ILP and agree an ongoing support program if required. Fee: $150 (no bursary contributions applicable for this appointment)

KLU to verbally explain the findings. Present the ILP. Provide a hard copy of the ILP to the parents.

Ongoing support*

Every student is required to write to or email KLU stating that they are willing to participate in the proposed KLU program.

Details of the appropriate program will be emailed. The start date will either be immediate or the following term depending upon availability

* options for ongoing support, services and programs are outlined below and may be subject to change.




Kids Like Us is a registered charity ABN 18 163 014 328

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Next steps:

These may include…

Academic Support:

Kids Like Us provides academic extension with specific learning support. Students are carefully

placed with peers in small learning groups to cater for their specific needs. We encourage and

welcome links with the student's school and teachers to provide consistency between School and

Kids Like Us.

KLU’s academic support services include:

Tutoring – we recognise the need in 2e young people to receive academic support in ways

that suit them. To support these students, we offer tutoring services through individual,

small group, and one day school sessions. These services include:

o Literacy and learning support for primary and secondary students,

o VCE English, English Language, English Literature, and History tuition,

o Numeracy support for primary and secondary students,

o VCE Maths, Maths Methods, Specialist Maths, Group Maths Intensives for maths

methods students units 1&2 and 3&4, Chemistry, and Physics for senior students.

One Day School - One Day School ensures a safe learning and emotional space for students

who require a different curriculum and learning environment to the ones their schools are

able to offer. This offers an enriching space for the child to develop, as well as a ‘break’ for

the teacher and peers from a gifted student who may be emotionally or behaviourally out of

synch within the typical classroom. It provides:

o an environment with other students who display a similar level of ability,

o small group tuition, allowing work to focus on specific maths and literacy skills,

o reassurance and support,

o assistance for students to label emotions, frustrations and the humiliation of being

intellectually able yet struggling with tasks peers manage easily,

o an opportunity for a growth in confidence and ability to take greater risks.


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Next steps (continued):

Wellbeing:

We work with young people and their families to help them achieve a balanced sense of wellbeing

and purpose. This can take place through counselling and peer support. Your wellbeing is a key part

of your everyday life, influencing how you see the world (and how it sees you), how you are able to

work and how you are around others. By ensuring balance in these, you are able to better work

towards your full potential.

Counselling is available to both parents/carers and students:

Child counselling – students with learning differences often have a tough time in the

education system, being seen as people who must change, adapt or leave. Because of this,

they can come to see themselves as the problem – ‘I’m depressed”, “I’m dyslexic”, “I’m

naughty”. At KLU, we draw upon Narrative Therapy to address this misplaced belief,

transforming it to show that ‘the person is not the problem, the problem is the problem’.

Parent counselling - being a parent to a twice-exceptional child presents its challenges, and

this is something we readily acknowledge. Because of this, we also extend counselling

services to their parents, offering support and ensuring that both parent and child are able

to fully embrace twice-exceptionality. It’s also important for parents to discover their own

journey in relation to their child, helping them to achieve a sense of comfort in their lives.

Wellbeing groups are available for girls and boys:

The KLU Linkt Program has two main focuses – learning support and social/emotional

support for students in Grades 6-12, delivered through a combination of programs

throughout the year. Through this program, students will gain mutual support from each

other, as well as access to technology that offers support for their academic weaknesses and

allows them to reach their potential.

Students in the Linkt Program will be able to complete their homework in a supportive

environment, as well as covering areas including ‘Transition’, ‘Getting on with it’, VCE Maths

and English intensives, social relationships, advocacy and career planning.

Parenting support:

The Parenting With What You’ve Got program follows a 3 week journey for parents to

explore their role as a parent as they respond to the child(ren) in their lives. The sessions will

include participatory and interactive conversations, learning from the experience of others

in the room who face the everyday challenges of parenting the next generation: Generation

Z and Generation Alpha.


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Next steps (continued):

Peer-to-Peer Support:

Kids Like Us operates several peer-to-peer programs that create a collaborative environment for

likeminded students, giving them an opportunity to gain and develop skills whilst giving them a

social boost.

These programs come in a variety styles, including term-time KLUbs (clubs) and school holiday

programs. Our programs have a strong emphasis on discovery and development, such as Coding

Club, where students can learn new ways of using computers in an open and friendly environment.

We also look to embrace and encourage creativity, offering opportunities including a creative art

and mindfulness program, aimed at giving students new mediums to express themselves.

In organising our peer-to-peer programs, we aim to create an environment where students are able

to come together to meet other ‘kids like us’, making friends and exchanging ideas. This presents

them with a fun experience, and the ability to develop strong social skills in a safe and comfortable

place.

We are always open to new ideas for our peer-to-peer programs, and even give opportunities for

students to launch their own initiatives. A recent addition to our programs is the Kids Like Bricks

Lego Club, launched by one of our twelve year old students.

Our groups include:

Kids Like Bricks Lego Club – an opportunity for young people to expand their creativity,

working on a diverse range of interesting projects.

Coding Club – a group where young people can enhance their computer skills and build

relationships other ‘kids like us’ either face-to-face or via local internet.


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Administration and Funding

As a social enterprise Kids Like Us operates on a fee-for-service model. However, we keep our prices

to the minimum where possible, and still operate as a business. We’ll be up front with you – we put

our funds into directly supporting the young people we work with, and not into expensive admin and

management staff. If your child is experiencing a crisis we will be there. However, if you would like a

response to an administrative question it may take a day or so for us to get back to you.

Payment Terms and Conditions

Class and group booking payments:

Class and group bookings will be invoiced for the first four (4) weeks of a term prior to the beginning

of the term. This invoice must be paid in full by the close of business on the Invoiced date. The

remaining invoice for the term will be issued in the first week of that term and must be paid within

four (4) weeks of the date of the invoice. If either of these payment due dates are not met, (i.e.: the

invoice is not paid on time) the student’s place in the KLU program will be forfeited.

Cancellations and missed classes/groups:

Cancellation: If your child is unable to attend a class or group for any reason, KLU appreciates 24

hours’ notice.

Cancellations and Missed Class: Paid fees will not be refunded for cancellations and missed classes

or groups. KLU’s policy will be to issue a “roll over credit voucher” for the following term if a class or

group is missed due to illness of either a child or a KLU staff member. Please note that the voucher is

only valid for the following term, if it is not used, it will automatically expire.

Special and/or extenuating circumstances will be reviewed and assessed on an individual basis as

required.

Withdrawal from groups and classes:

If circumstances arise where a group or class is no longer of benefit to your child, paid fees may be

transferred towards payment of one to one (1:1) appointments as follows:

One to One (1:1) appointments:

These appointments will be invoiced in arrears on a monthly basis with a payment due date of seven

days.

Cancellations of one to one (1:1) appointments must be made with 24 hours’ notice per the KLU

current cancellation policy, so as to ensure you do not incur a ‘no show’ fee. Cancellations must be

emailed to [email protected]



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KLU peer and social groups:

KLU peer and social group (i.e. Code club, Minecraft, and Lego) fees must be paid at time of booking.

Note, KLU will not be issuing refunds or roll over credit vouchers for these groups.

KLU Bursary Fund:

KLU bursary funds provide financial support to students accessing KLU services where payment is

difficult and/or may cause financial hardship. Applications for bursary fund supplements are

assessed by an external board, based upon a request by the family and endorsed by the current

directors of KLU, Catherine Kirby and Anne Jackson.

An application is reviewed on an individual basis and assessed each school term. Applications for

bursary fund supplements are to be submitted by email request to KLU Administration at

[email protected] and must be submitted within the first week of the school term.

KLU appreciates your continuing support, and will continue to adopt best practices to ensure that

the enterprise is viable and sustainable so as to manage its long term future.

KLU Progress Checklist

KLU Parent

X Allocate an appointment

X Send reports and intake form

X X Review reports

X X Initial family appointment date

X X “Unpacking” appointments

X X Review appointment

X X Action outcomes from Review appointment

X Document conversations with school and share with KLU when appropriate via email

Contact us and further information

For more information about Kids Like Us, what we do and the young people we support, visit us at www.kidslikeus.org.au and follow our Facebook page for news and events: https://www.facebook.com/KLUau.

To get in touch, please email [email protected] or call us on 03 9013 5582.






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Printed on 15/04/16

Documents

Prospectus 2016 - Kids Like Us · Kids Like Us is a registered charity ABN 18 163 014 328 1 ... educate teachers in how best to teach and provide support for 2e students in the classroom;