The Louth/Meath Branch of Down Syndrome Ireland manages an “Early Intervention Home Teacher Programme” for preschool children (aged from 1 year to 6 years) with Down syndrome in the counties of Louth and Meath. This Programme was set up by the Branch in 1982 as there was no State provided Home Teacher Programme available to children in Counties Louth and Meath. There are no administrative costs associated with the Programme, as it is managed on a completely voluntarily basis by members of the Branch whom are parents of children with Down syndrome. The Programme consists of Early Intervention Home Teachers visiting the home of the child with Down syndrome for one to two hours every fortnight throughout the school year (approximately 20 visits per year).

The Home Teacher Programme is centered on play, it is through this medium which children learn and develop. The Home Teacher has training and skills to help parents join their child at play and maximize the child’s play relationship with parents, and considers children’s play as the context for early intervention. The Home Teacher can liaise with staff in Pre-schools and Primary Schools to promote the best possible early education experience for children on the Programme. The Programme is managed on a day to day basis by the Branches Early Intervention Home Teacher Programme Coordinator who is the parent of a child participating in the Programme, assisted by other members of the Branch. There are six Home Teachers employed on a part-time basis by the Branch.

Queries from members on any aspect of the programme should be addressed to the Branches Home Teacher Co-ordinator:

EI Coordinator’s:

Andrea on 0863709831

Ann on 086 1728802

or e-mail:earlyinterventionprogrammedslm@gmail.com