Case Study: Allied Health School Services Program at Shekou International School (SIS)

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Shekou International School (SIS) is a private, co-educational, not-for-profit school located in Shekou, in the southwestern, expatriate-friendly corner of Shenzhen. In 2024, SIS became the first partner of the Allied Health School Services (AHSS) Program, marking a significant milestone in the program’s journey toward supporting international schools across China. This partnership underscores SIS’s commitment to fostering inclusive education and the well-being of its students through proactive health interventions.

Program Implementation at SIS

School Context

• Location: Jingshan Campus, Shekou, Shenzhen
• Target Group: 74 children, aged 4 to 5 years old, enrolled in the early childhood education program.
• Objective: To identify include evaluation of speech, language, early literacy skills, motor skills, attention, behaviour and mental health risk factors and provide evidence-based recommendations for interventions and support.

Screening Process

The AHSS professional team conducted on-site screenings at SIS’s Jingshan campus, utilizing tailored tools and approaches designed for young children. Key steps included:

1. Preparation and Coordination:
   1. Collaborated closely with SIS’s administrative team to ensure smooth logistics and schedule alignment.
   1. Provided parents and staff with detailed briefings about the screening objectives, process, and outcomes.
2. Screening Methodology:
   1. Conducted comprehensive developmental screenings focusing on language, motor skills, cognitive abilities, and socio-emotional development.
   1. Applied evidence-based tools and techniques to ensure accurate assessments for children aged 4 to 5.
3. Engagement and Communication:
   1. Maintained transparent communication with parents, addressing their concerns and sharing preliminary observations.
   1. Partnered with classroom teachers to gather additional insights about each child’s behavior and performance in the school environment.

Outcomes

• Key Findings:
  • Identified specific areas where certain children could benefit from targeted support, including speech therapy and occupational therapy.
  • Confirmed that the majority of children were on track developmentally, reinforcing the strength of SIS’s early learning program.
• Recommendations:
  • Provided individualized reports to parents with detailed findings and actionable recommendations.
  • Suggested follow-up interventions and resources, including ongoing monitoring for children flagged for additional support.
• Staff Development:
  • Offered feedback sessions for SIS teachers, helping them integrate strategies to support children with additional needs in the classroom.

Impact and Reflections

The collaboration between SIS and the AHSS Program has proven to be highly impactful. Key achievements include:

• Enhanced Student Support: Early identification of developmental needs has enabled timely interventions, ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive academically and socially.
• Strengthened Parent Trust: Transparent communication and detailed reports fostered stronger relationships with families, enhancing their confidence in SIS’s commitment to student well-being.
• Empowered Teachers: The feedback and strategies shared with SIS teachers equipped them to better address diverse student needs, fostering a more inclusive classroom environment.

Conclusion

The partnership with Shekou International School set a strong foundation for the Allied Health School Services Program in 2024. By screening 74 children and delivering actionable insights, the program demonstrated its ability to provide meaningful support to international schools. This case serves as a model for expanding the program’s reach and impact in the future, aligning with AHSS’s mission of promoting inclusive education and child well-being.