McCam Child Care & Development Centre

“If they can't learn the way we teach, we teach the way they learn” - O. Ivar Lovaas In March 2012, Centre for Disease Control reported that the prevalence of Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) was 1 in every 88 children. With this startling report of very high incidence of the disorder, it is now more likely than before that children with ASD will likely have to be served in the mainstream classroom in one way or another. It is important, however, that an appropriate programme is developed for these children, taking into consideration their special learning needs. In Jamaica, a select number of schools offer spaces to children with ASD, with many of these schools recommending that these children be accompanied by a “Shadow”. What is most important, however, is that students with ASD, once in a school setting have a specially developed Individual Education Plan (IEP) that outlines specific and individualized goals and objectives for that student. From this IEP, parents shoul

Parents often worry whether their children are meeting appropriate developmental milestones. Many times those worries and fears are allayed with the realization that children develop at different rates, and providing a supportive and loving environment is the best way to foster growth. There are situations, however, in which a child’s development, academic progress or behaviour is outside the established limits for what is considered typical. Below is an overview of various types of assessments, and when parents should consider seeking a professional evaluation. Psycho-Educational Assessment: Is your child having difficulty learning or keeping up in a particular subject area? Does your child’s teacher complain that he/she displays challenges remaining seated, sustaining attention, following directions or complying with rules? If so, a psycho-educational assessment is critical in identifying whether your child has a learning disability or other disorder that may be negatively i

Prevalence of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) in students, 4-15 years, attending rural and urban schools In Jamaica (A study commissioned by the Mc Cam Child Development and Resource Centre) One of the most frequently diagnosed mental health problems of children globally is Attention-Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), a major concern of child health specialists and educators because it typically undermines a child’s learning potential and impairs social skills and behaviour. This study sought to determine the prevalence of ADHD in Jamaican students, using a purposive sample of 243 pre-school to secondary level students, 4 – 15 years, attending urban and rural schools in Jamaica . Standardised assessments of behaviours specific to ADHD completed by parents and teachers were used to identify ADHD along with in-depth interviews with parents. The results indicate almost a quarter of the sample (19.6%) had significantly high symptoms of inattention or

This blog is Part II of previously posted blog. "The Role of Occupational Therapists as advocates for persons with disabilities (PWDs) – a report on promoting SRH for AWDs in Jamaica" The following report is an example of the role that I was asked to play as an occupational therapist in making a difference in the delivery of health care to adolescents with disabilities. In advocating for this change, I had to engage providers at all levels, that is, from the community to the policy level and vice versa. In 2003, the GOJ/EC/UNFPA agreed on an approach to poverty alleviation and a millennium goal which involved the introduction of contraceptives in family planning, the safe delivery of babies for both mother and baby and the control of STIs . The youths were targeted as a core group to be educated on issues related to their sexual and reproductive health and to advocate for the practice of safe sex. For the first time, this national programme also included adolescents with

This blog is a paper wirtten by the Programme Director of McCam Centre Mrs. Pauline Watson Campbell, OT MSc, for the 9th Biennual Conference on Occupational Therapy presented by the Assocation Of Caribbean Occupational Therapist (ACOT). "The Role of Occupational Therapists as advocates for persons with disabilities (PWDs) – a report on promoting SRH for AWDs in Jamaica" This paper is not based on a theoretical model or framework. It is a composite of my experience as an advocate for persons with disabilities in Jamaica. It is clear to me that as an occupational therapist in a situation where there are limited resources and ignorance surrounding the needs of persons with disabilities, one cannot avoid adopting an attitude of advocating for improvement in the situation surrounding people’s lives. Advocacy is the pursuit of influencing outcomes — including public-policy and resource allocation decisions within political, economic, and social systems and institutions — that

Children are unique, precious, beautiful beings who need love, understanding and protection, without which they will learn hate, prejudice and cruelty. That is why we live our motto “It is no small thing to influence a child so fresh from the hands of God.” This past year of 2009 was simply HARD for many of us. We want to encourage you, our past & present parents, past students and supporters that the future will be what YOU will make it. Don’t give up your dreams & your dreams for your children. Just Believe. Rejoice. Have Faith In The Almighty. Appreciate. Laugh. Share. Care. Love.