JIS Learning Center: Every Child Has the Right to Learn
A special program for children with neuro-diversities established by Jakarta Intercultural School (JIS) entitled JIS Learning Center was officially inaugurated on 21st September 2022 at JIS Pattimura Elementary School, South Jakarta. The program is designed to further strengthen JIS’ commitment to providing an inclusive educational environment for students from multicultural backgrounds.
The inauguration ceremony was attended by students, education and special education teachers, the Directorate General of Teachers and Education Personnel, the Education, Culture, Research and Technology Ministry, along with parents. JIS Head of School Maya Nelson expressed gratitude to everyone for joining this journey, emphasizing that the opening of the JIS Learning Center demonstrates JIS’ love for all children and its inclusive and diverse philosophy.
Nelson has always been an educator, wanting to become a teacher since a very young age. She firmly believes every child has the right to learn and it’s a human right to be in school. She noted that the school needs to take care of each other, support one another, and learn from everyone.
The JIS Learning Center is a child-centred education program providing full-time special education services to students with neuro-diversities needing a more intensive support level. It complies with diverse learning. The program aims to “Be the Best for the World,” reflecting the diverse backgrounds, histories, and learning profiles of the world’s population.
The highly-trained faculty and staff are specialists in learning disabilities, motor development, speech-language, etc. They support students through academics and therapeutic options. The program is designed for children aged 4-11 with mild to severe general developmental delays. It is limited to eight students per class to ensure each student receives the attention they need.
The program delivers personalized learning. Students receive instruction from teachers using specialized and effective methodologies including academic instruction as well as adaptive daily living and social skills. The specialized program is conducted in specially-designed classrooms tailored to various academic, sensory, behavioral, and physical needs. Distractions are minimized while individual attentions are optimized for students to fully benefit from.
Seven students are currently enrolled in the JIS Learning Center inaugural classroom, located at JIS Pattimura Elementary School. Expansion plans toward accepting junior high and high school children over the next three years are in the process. The goal is to ensure that students can study with JIS long-term and have support for their entire learning journey.
The Ministry will always give appreciation to regular schools that create inclusive education programs. They believe that this school will become a center for the development of programs needed by children with special needs.
