The Louth/Meath Branch of Down Syndrome Ireland delivers an Early Intervention Home Teacher Programme for preschool children with Down syndrome aged 1 to 6 years living in Counties Louth and Meath.
Established in 1982, the Programme was developed by the Branch in response to the absence of a State-provided home teaching service in the region at that time. Since its inception, the Programme has been continuously supported and managed by the Branch.
The Programme operates entirely on a voluntary basis, with no administrative costs. It is overseen by Branch members who are parents of children with Down syndrome, ensuring that the service remains family-centred and responsive to the needs of children and their families.
Children enrolled in the Programme receive home visits every two weeks during the school year, totalling approximately 20 visits annually. Each visit lasts one to two hours and is delivered by a qualified Early Intervention Home Teacher.
The Programme is play-based, recognising play as the primary context through which young children learn and develop. Home Teachers are trained to support parents in engaging meaningfully with their child during play, helping to strengthen parent-child interactions and maximise developmental opportunities. Children’s play is central to all early intervention activities.
Home Teachers may also liaise with pre-schools and primary schools to support a positive and inclusive early education experience for children participating in the Programme.
Day-to-day management of the Programme is carried out by the Branch’s Early Intervention Home Teacher Programme Coordinator, who is a parent of a child currently enrolled in the Programme, with the support of other Branch members. The Branch employs four part-time Early Intervention Home Teachers.
Queries relating to any aspect of the Programme may be directed to:
Branch Administrator
📞 083 897 2044
📧 info@louthmeath.downsyndrome.ie
or
Early Intervention Home Teacher Programme Coordinator
📧 committee@louthmeath.downsyndrome.ie
