MODULE 3 PRESENTATION

Supporting students with complex needs

2

Why this module?» Some students require extra support at school for their

physical and personal care and communication» Teachers’ aides are a valuable resource in providing this» Supporting students with complex needs requires:

– empathy and respect for students’ preferences and dignity

– access to appropriate training and support for meeting students’ needs.

MODULE 3: Supporting students with complex needs

3

Being a role model» Some students needs

extra support» How you interact and

include students with complex needs influences other people/students and how they treat their peers.

MODULE 3: Supporting students with complex needs

4

Respecting privacy and dignity» Some students need help with eating, lifting, positioning,

toileting, medicines and moving around» Physical and personal care needs to:

– be unobtrusive– respect privacy and dignity– empower the student.

MODULE 3: Supporting students with complex needs

MODULE 3: Supporting students with complex needs 5

Respecting privacy and dignity

» Talk to the student about how to care for them

» Talk to family/whānau about how to care for their child

» Ask yourself how you would like to be treated if it were you.

6

Seek the student’s views

» Have I allowed the student to tell me what they want?» Have I asked the student what they prefer with physical

transitions?» Do I speak to the student in the same way as other

students?» Do I know what class or subject the student doesn’t want

to miss so I can work around this?

MODULE 3: Supporting students with complex needs

7

Developing a care plan» For students requiring a high level of physical care» A specialist may help develop the care plan» A specialist may show you how to aid the student» The care plan is available to those who work with the

student, while respecting the student’s privacy» See: Health Conditions in Education Settings

(Ministry of Education publication).

MODULE 3: Supporting students with complex needs

8

Supporting a student with high communication needs

» A specialist may show you how to work with assistive technology

» Teachers’ aides can show others how to work with assistive technology

» Teachers and teachers’ aides model respectful ways of communicating.

MODULE 3: Supporting students with complex needs

9

Teamwork, teamwork, teamwork» Effective teamwork is important when supporting

students with complex needs» When everyone participates, the student benefits» Team members have different skills and knowledge.

MODULE 3: Supporting students with complex needs

10

Keeping yourself safe» Ensure you have access to appropriate training» Be aware of school policies and procedures» See: Collaboration for Success: Individual Education

Plans (Ministry of Education publication).

MODULE 3: Supporting students with complex needs

11

Next step?

Download the workbook for this module at: teachersandteachersaides.tki.org.nz/Our-roles/Module-3

To find out more about Teachers and Teachers’ Aides Working Together and to access the other modules go to: teachersandteachersaides.tki.org.nz

MODULE 3: Supporting students with complex needs