Dalian American International School offers professional learning support in both elementary and secondary divisions to help students develop intellect, character, and health.
Children in mainstream classes who experience learning difficulties are identified, supported and monitored by the learning support team. Learning support is individualized to the student and their current academic and social needs.
The level of learning support needed for a student is determined on a case by case basis following defined observations, interactions and appropriate diagnostic assessments.
Learning support office in the Secondary school
In addition, our Head of Learning Support conducts regular Parenting Workshops for all families at DAIS/DHS. This is a great enriching opportunity to connect with other parents and gain valuable parenting insights. Don't miss the upcoming events! See more information below.
Dr. Ira Canada brings a wealth of expertise and experience in the field of education, particularly in special education and child development. With over two decades of professional experience working with children, families, and schools across the United States, he has honed his skills and knowledge to address the unique needs of individuals with special needs.
Dr. Canada holds a Doctorate in Education specializing in Autism, and his passion for this field has inspired him to conduct extensive research on "Increasing Awareness of Autism Spectrum Disorder." Throughout his career, Dr. Canada's dedication to advancing the understanding of Autism and promoting inclusive educational practices has remained a central theme.
Dr. Canada's professional journey encompasses a diverse range of roles, including serving as a special educator, early intervention specialist, and behavior specialist. He also had the privilege of leading one of the largest early childhood special education programs in the United States, gaining invaluable insights into effective strategies for supporting children with diverse learning needs.
Furthermore, Dr. Canada has had the opportunity to work internationally, serving as a learning support specialist, principal, and director of student support services in China and Thailand. During his time abroad, he had the honor of acting as a special education advisor to the U.S. Embassy in Beijing, China, and contributing member of the Diversity and Inclusion Advisory Committee for the U.S. Consulate General in Chiangmai, Thailand. These experiences have enriched his perspective and allowed him to make meaningful contributions to global educational initiatives.
In addition to his professional pursuits, Dr. Canada is also a published author of several children's books, part of a series designed to address crucial topics such as social interactions, bullying, and self-regulation among early childhood students. These books reflect his commitment to empowering young learners with the skills they need to thrive in a diverse and inclusive world.
This year, we are excited to offer a unique opportunity for our Elementary School parents to enhance their parenting skills. A series of Parenting Support Workshops led by Dr. Canada are designed to address various aspects of parenting and child development. These workshops aim to empower you with knowledge, tools, and strategies to navigate the journey of parenthood more effectively.
On Thursday, December 14, Dr. Canada, presented the Parenting Skills workshop. This workshop was designed to provide valuable insights and practical tips for navigating the joys and challenges of parenthood. We believe that fostering a strong parent-child relationship contributes significantly to a child's overall development and well-being.
The second workshop on January 26 was focused on self-regulation, social intelligence, and the use of social stories. These topics are crucial for the emotional and social development of children and participating in this workshop provided parents with valuable insights and practical strategies to support a child's growth.
The next workshop about understanding and supporting children with Attention Deficits (ADD/ADHD) took place on Friday, February 23. This workshop aimed to provide effective strategies and tools to help our children thrive both at home and in school. Understanding the challenges that kids with ADD/ADHD may face, we believe that equipping parents with the right knowledge and strategies is crucial in facilitating their success.
Two more workshops are coming soon:
All these workshops will be in the Dragon's Den room in the Elementary Building.
This Friday at 2 pm, Dr. Canada is inviting Middle School parents to participate in the workshop where he will teach some best strategies to help teenagers with the challenges that they face while moving into adulthood. We hope to see many parents there!
