Trying 2 get back into working in Special needs

[haylz]

Hey
Wonder if anybody has any ideas.........

I am a trained Portage Home visitor which means I use play to help children to progress in all areas of their development no matter how complex and have worked with children from birth to 5yrs back in the uk.

At the moment I am teaching in a school in the costa del sol but am trying to find out if there is any way I can get back into special eduaction......

So far I've come up with the fact that children are schooled in mainstream spanish schools or home educated.........

Does anybody know if there is any support for little tots and their families or has anybody got any idea how i can get back into this type of job before needing to be completely fluent in spanish to have any chance of getting into the spanish school system

looking forward to any replies Haylz

[Jool]

Only by working privately.........in the State system you will need fluent spanish and even then it is not exactly something well resourced in Andalucia. Sorry.

[lucy locket]

Have you tried the private nurseries , or advertising in british mags someone might be looking for some help.
The schools on the costa del sol do have special needs services available. Once you learn spanish you could probably get a job. I do know of english teachers in spanish schools.

[pilgrim2]

How about volunteering at your local centre (for people with learning disabilities) would help you Spanish too. A few years ago when I was making similar enquires I was advised to ask at the local church as they are in touch with local families who may need help. The course that is run by the local Ayuntumiento for what appears to be ´home helps´ is also a way in and as they are usually despartate to make the numbers up, your limited spanish would not be a barrier - just loads of homework Once the course is completed you are placed with families that would be suited to your interests and experience. Although none of your specialised UK quals count for anything if you have ceased to practise for more than 2 year, (mine are way out of date now), they would be taken into consideration. 4 -9pm, 5 nights a week, for 6 weeks, I did not do it at the time because I had visitors comming But would do so should the hours be more accommodating

[KTH]

Hi

I am not sure where you are based in Andalucia. My daughter goes to the local CAIT (Centro de Atención Temprana) which is for babies and their families from birth to 5 years and provides excellent support. It is open from 5 to 9 I think Monday to Friday. We have physio, swimming and now hippotherapy (horse riding).

There are lots of new centres opening, your local Centro Base Minusvalidos (ours is in Malaga) should be able to give you some more information about those in your area, although you may need to go in person as it is often impossible to get through on the phone.

I don´t know how much spanish you speak but you would need some. I am surprised that people don´t think there is much support for families with children with special needs. We have fantastic support both via our local centre and Materno in Malaga.

Hope that helps

[haylz]

Thankyou all for the fantastic replies so far...... I'm learning more about the system all the time ...... have been considering how I might be able to provide a service / support privately.

This is the area of work I am itching back into and luckily I am keeping up with education by working in a school (in Benalmadena)!!!

looking forward to any more advice anyone has to offer

thanks again haylz