What is the Inclusive Support Programme (InSP)?

Inclusive Support Programme (InSP)

• The InSP is a pilot programme that integrates the planning and provision of both early childhood and early intervention services at preschools for children aged 3 to 6, who require medium levels of early intervention support. As the majority of these children currently attend both EIPIC at early intervention centres and preschools today, the InSP intends to remove the logistical strain of shuttling between preschools and early intervention centres, and provides opportunities for more integrated support for children within their preschools.

• Under the InSP, the preschools will be resourced with full-time early intervention professionals and visiting allied health professionals who will work closely with early childhood educators to enable these children to participate meaningfully in preschool.

• Besides supporting children with developmental needs, the InSP will also benefit typically developing children through efforts such as the provision of differentiated instruction. International findings and experiences on inclusive settings suggest that typically developing children also develop more positive attitudes, social-emotional competencies, as well as collaborative and communicative skills from a young age.

• At the Committee of Supply debates 2021, MSF announced that ECDA will be piloting the new InSP at a few sites with selected providers. Further details will be released toward the end of 2021.