THE DREAMTREE SCHOOL CURRICULUM
Director: Janet du Bois
It is a privilege and honour to be the director of this very special school. I am committed to realising the vision and mission of The DreamTree School to the best of my ability.
I have a BA Hons (Psychology) from the University of Stellenbosch; BA Hons (Alternative and Augmentative Communication) from the University of Pretoria and a Post Graduate Certificate in Education from UNISA, followed by more than twelve years of experience working in the USA, UK and South Africa, as a tutor, facilitator and teacher with learners challenged by Autism Spectrum Disorder, ADHD and Developmental delay.
For the past five years I have been the manager of my own business, EduSupport Tutoring and Facilitation Services, where I facilitate and manage the placement of tutors and facilitators to support learners on a one-to-one basis at home or in the classroom.
My interest in the Autism Spectrum Disorder was sparked ten years ago when a very special seven year old boy came into my life. Our meeting sent me on the never-ending road of wanting to learn more about this complex disorder in order to help the children I work with to reach their potential. I have had the privilege and challenge of working with various children with ASD, their families and the specialists involved in their interventions.
I am looking forward to the opportunity to help create a school where we can build on the strengths of each unique child that attends the school, but also to create a resource centre from where we can reach out into the broader community.
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Teacher for Classroom 1: Elaine Brand
My passion for children with Autism started in 1998 when I was an au-pair in the Netherlands. A very special four year old boy touched my heart and I decided then and there that my future lay in special educational needs.
I pursued my dream and graduated from the North-West University in 2004 with a B Ed Honours degree, specialising in remedial teaching. I went to work in the UK for three years, where I gained valuable experience and specialised knowledge while teaching at a school for children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (lower functioning) and other learning difficulties.
Back in South Africa, I have been a Foundation Phase educator for the past five years at Vergezicht Private School, Somerset West. Here again I have worked with children diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (higher functioning) as well as those with ADD/H and other learning difficulties. It has been a great privilege to work so closely with these children, their families and the multi-disciplinary teams involved with them.
I am looking forward to the opportunity to work at The DreamTree School where I will further pursue my passion in working with children living with ASD. I commit myself to making a difference in the lives of its pupils and their families.
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Assistant for Classroom 1: Charis Hawkridge
I am delighted to have the opportunity to work at The DreamTree School. I look forward to using my skills and talents to support the teacher and children in creating a stimulating and encouraging atmosphere in the classroom and beyond.
I did my BA Hons in Psychology at Rhodes University, during which time I volunteered for a programme that organised students to spend time helping children with autism to learn social skills. This was my introduction to Autism Spectrum Disorders and I have been fascinated
ever since.
After finishing university, I worked at the SNAP centre for three years as a tutor. This allowed me the opportunity to work with a large variety of children and taught me how best to work through many different challenges. I have also gained valuable experience working within the classroom while facilitating and supporting a child on the autism spectrum at school.
I am positive and enthusiastic about being a part of the difference The DreamTree School will make in the lives of those who attend the school and their families.
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Support Volunteers:
Administrator: Mrs. Desiree Lucardie
I was born and raised in The Netherlands and have been living in this beautiful country for the past fifteen years.
Because my husband and I travelled extensively after our business careers and before settling in South Africa, I had the pleasure of teaching our two children for a few years. Hence my keen interest in schooling in general: I was one of the founder parents of Mountain View Preparatory School and Secretary of the Board of the Dutch School in Cape Town for a number of years.
Since our children are studying in Europe it is my pleasure to use my business skills and experience in assisting the DreamTree School to become the unique autism-friendly school it envisions being.
Technology Consultant: Prof. Lynette van Zijl
We are in the privileged position of having Prof. Lynette van Zijl on board who will be assisting us with the application of technology to enhance and improve our lesson delivery, data filing and augmentative communication.
Prof Lynette van Zijl, from Computer Science at Stellenbosch University, is involved in the innovative use of technology to support learners with barriers. She has worked on software to facilitate communication between the deaf and the hearing communities, software to improve the accessibility of mathematical and scientific material for blind learners, and adaptive assessment methods for learners with reading barriers. She is currently leading a project to develop a classroom e-learning system that will accommodate the specific
needs of learners on the autism spectrum. Her approach to technological solutions is first and foremost education-based and pragmatic, within the South African context , in order to find practical technological solutions based on the needs of individual learners.
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Volunteers Needed:
You are welcome to contact us if you would like to join The DreamTree Team on a voluntary basis.
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Janet du Bois (DIRECTOR)
Elaine Brand (TEACHER)
Charis Hawkridge (ASSISTANT)
Desiree Lucardie (ADMINISTRATOR)
Lynette van Zijl (TECHNOLOGY CONSULTANT)
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