does any on know what qualifcations id need to teach dance/drama to special needs?

Question

i av a downsyndrom sister and studing dance

i have a downsyndrom sister and done work expericance at a special needs school and currently studying dance

Answer 1

It sounds as if you already have the personal qualifications. You have some experience in working with people who have special needs, you have some knowledge and expertise in dance, and - most importantly - you have the desire to do it.

The question is what kind of setting you would be working in. Are you hoping to do this professionally? If so, the organization that would employ you would have its own hiring qualifications. A recreation and parks department or a day program for adults with special needs might be places that would hire a dance/ drama teacher. They would probably not require much in the way of formal education.

Since you have done some work experience activities in a special needs school, talk to the staff there. They might be very happy to have you volunteer your services as a dance and drama teacher, and you could get some good experience and some good contacts with people who could help you expand into more formal classes.

Answer 2

You may want to form a background in both Physical Therapy and Dance/Music Therapy. Both of these would help you be able to know how to best help a child with a physical disability, and be able to do it in a way that helps stimulate motor skills. You will also want background in not only working with children with special needs, but the college degree to go along with it. Experience is critical, so it is wonderful that you have the opportunity to work with your sister on a daily basis, and have that kind of field experience that only life can give you.

Answer 3

For working in a school system you often need a background check ----indicating no sexual abuse history.

Otherwise----I think you just need to have a good understanding of the needs and abilities and interests of your participants and have some fun!

There are professionals who study dance therapy or recreational therapy in colleges etc-----but you could also run a class with just dance or drama background or interest and tailor your class to the needs of the children.

Sometimes it helps if you have a designated age range---but sometimes its is better to think "developmental" age rather than "chronological" age. Developmental age ----refering more to where that particular child is at in their development----what there skills and strengths and needs are.

If you design a class and describe what would be needed to particate in a brochure------perhaps those people who are able and interested would join.

OR-----you could see who is interested in joining your class and then design a program based on the needs of your students who may have very diverse skills and interests?

i think no official qualification is needed unless you give yourself a special title-----like dance therapist. If you are just running a dance class for children with special needs or children in general-----you describe yourself ---your background accurately and describe your plan for the class accurately---that is all that is needed-----

It also depends on who is hiring you or paying you---

If you work for the school district they may have special rules and procedures

If you work for a community agency they may have their own rules

if you work for yourself----you might want to also consider some malpractice insurance----or insurance in case anyone slips and falls etc-------

but just think of all the classes that are out their for all types of kiddos------its definitely do-able if you want to and you let people know---

maybe your sister could also help you recruit interested students?

Good luck

Answer 4

Patience. Patience with the kids and with their parents. And a good sense of humor would help, too.