Dornasol Elementary School Team Participates in Specialized Autism Training
ORANJESTAD – The team at Dornasol Elementary School has begun a specialized training program designed to expand their knowledge and professional skills in supporting children with different educational needs and helping them reach their full potential.
The year-long program is offered in collaboration with Windesheim University of Applied Sciences and Aruba’s Pedagogical Institute (IPA). Upon completion of the program, participating teachers can specialize as behavioral coaches or autism coaches. Educational assistants will gain specific knowledge and skills to support and guide children with autism in the school environment.
For Minister of Education Gerlien Croes, the continued professional development of education professionals represents a direct investment in the quality of education and, in particular, in the well-being and development of every child.
“Every child deserves guidance and attention that meets their individual needs. To achieve this, we must provide our teachers and educational assistants with the knowledge and tools they need. By investing in their professional development, we are directly investing in the future of our children,” said Minister Gerlien Croes.
An important aspect of this initiative is its long-term impact. After this first school completes the program, IPA will continue offering the training, creating opportunities for more teachers and educational assistants throughout Aruba to receive this specialized training.
According to Minister Croes, this contributes to building local expertise and strengthening Aruba’s education system for the long term.
“We do not want professional development to be a one-time effort, but rather an ongoing process within our education system. By having IPA continue this program, we are creating a foundation for more education professionals to specialize and, as a result, enabling more children to benefit from appropriate support and guidance.”
Minister Gerlien Croes wishes the team at Scol Basico Dornasol every success throughout the training year and expresses her appreciation to the teachers and professionals from Windesheim University of Applied Sciences and IPA for their contribution and commitment.