Training and outreach programs

Brindavan Education Trust (BET) has been offering training programs and workshops over the last 20 years in the field of Inclusive education practices. BET started its resource room programs in the year 1993 and has set up and trained teachers in 23 schools over the years.

The current National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 emphasizes the necessity for early childhood practices and inclusion along with a focus on learning for literacy and flexibility as well as inclusion for special needs through the new 5+3+3+3 plan. Although not much is said about disability in the plan itself, it provides a strong link to the PwD Act at all levels in terms of education and the accommodations that need to be made. It recommends developing differentiated material, identification and support from individual boards ,through the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT)by way of resources  and the National Institute for the Empowerment of Persons with Disabilities (NIEPD), through teacher training and continuous skilling for both teachers and children. It emphasizes inclusion and that this  should be the primary focus . Resources should be made available for implementing it all levels, from ages 3 to 18, both at access to curriculum for all and through teacher training

• Brindavan’s flagship training program on training teachers to work with specific learning difficulties was conceptualised and initiated in 2009 . The training program on early intervention and inclusion was started in 2016. Both programs were merged together in May 2024 and a new programme called Specific Learning Difficulties in an Inclusive Environment ( SLD) was started. Every year in May the course commences and registrations start in January.
• Brindavan also offers consultancies to mainstream schools to set up resource rooms/ learning labs, and conducts teacher training programs with customized workshops for inclusive practices.

ONLINE TRAINING PROGRAMS

Specific Learning Difficulties in an Inclusive Environment (SLD)

This 8-month online certificate program is delivered in a hybrid mode, offering a comprehensive understanding of various skill areas, remedial teaching strategies, informal assessments, and the importance of inclusion in mainstream schools. The course blends theory with practical work. Online sessions are conducted via Zoom and each session runs for 3.5 to 4 hours every Saturday from 1:30 PM to 5:00/5:30 PM. Offline sessions are held every second Saturday at the Brindavan Jayanagar Centre .

Modules include:

• An overview of learning difficulties (LD).
• Early childhood development and delays.
• Scope and sequence of development in language and numeracy.
• Identification of learning difficulties in the context of Oral language, Reading & Comprehension, Spelling, Writing, Math, and Executive Functioning skills.
• Identification and management of children with LD, SLD, ADD/ADHD (attention deficit /hyperactive).
• Establishing present skill levels and formulating an Individualised Education Plan (IEP).
• Learning how to counsel parents/caregivers/teachers (from the perspective of the child with LD).
• Informal assessments in readiness skill development for pre-school/primary children.
• Inclusive teaching practices and lesson planning for an inclusive preschool/primary classroom.

Program Features

Detailed teaching notes are provided for each skill area. Experienced faculty in their respective fields of study bring valuable theoretical knowledge and practical examples to the classroom.

Advanced 6-month Internship Certification programme.

This internship is available to trainees who have completed the 8-month online certification program in SLD or are currently enrolled in the program.

Parent Training Course

Brindavan started the Parent Training Course in the year 2010. The Parent Training Course offered by Brindavan Education Trust is tailored to empower parents to help their children with special education needs at home. The primary objectives of the Parent Training Course are:

• To understand the difficulties of the child.
• To help parents create a positive and supportive environment at home.
• To enable parents to guide the child’s future development in the appropriate direction.

Duration: 10 weeks online certification programme one session of 2 .30 to 3 hours every weekend from 10 am to 1 pm.