Achievement Learning Centre ( ALC ) Dominica
On the Caribbean
island of Dominica , the Achievement Learning Centre ( ALC ), operating under ‘ Circle of Friends ’, was formed in 2011 as a private , non-profit school for children with disabilities . ALC fills the gap that existed on the island for access to special education services for children whose needs are not met in the mainstream education system . It is a legally registered education and training institution that specializes in Special Education Services and Vocational Training for children and youth with disabilities . Individualized education is provided to meet the needs of its students , ensuring that they reach their full potential .
ALC is primarily focused on the provision of services that will help children master the skills they need to succeed in school and in life . The main aim is to create a learning environment suitable for catering to the needs of children who are struggling academically . In 2015 , ALC piloted its pre-K program with three students , and the number quickly grew to six .
In collaboration with the Council Award Care & Education ( CACHE ), ALC offers Vocational Skills training to at-risk youth . So far , the school has successfully offered awards and certificate levels 1 & 2 in Early Years Care and Education , along with level 2 for caregivers in Supporting Individuals with Disabilities . The Centre has also signed a contract with Mott McDonald to offer Level 1 Employability skills training to 550 at-risk youths for the period 2020- 2022 .
Multiple successes are being experienced . Four boys have successfully transitioned from their Individualized Education Program at ALC into the Creative and Expressive Arts ( CSEC ) program at the Dominica State College . These young men completed the Caribbean Certificate of Secondary Level Competence ( CCSLC ) program at the school and then moved on to follow their ( CSEC ) courses . The ALC helped Allistair Abel , a young man with Down Syndrome , to transition into the workforce . Alistair is presently employed at Jolly ’ s Pharmacy .
In addition to ALC ’ s dedication to ensuring students can cope with life after graduating from their programme , they take pride in concentrating on the holistic development of their students . ALC witnesses their continued growth and development as a direct result of the functional skills they are taught that helps them to integrate well in society . Not only does ALC focus on inclusion for students but they also stress the need for inclusiveness in their staff . Because of this ideology , they were excited to welcome wheelchair user , Ms Lazandra Lazaar as a member of staff .
Achievement Learning Centre advocates for inclusive communities , but they have also chosen to lead by example .
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