Parenting

Success Stories: Inspiring Journeys from Bridging the Gap

Bridging the Gap (BtG) started as a heartbeat, desiring to reach out to children with diverse needs. Up to this day, Bridging the Gap has been an advocate on making a difference in the society – one child at a time.   BtG persists to provide comprehensive support for children with diverse needs through early intervention programmes. Over the years, countless families have shared their success stories, demonstrating the transformative impact of these initiatives. Learn More About Us   Initial Challenges and Learning Goals Many families seeking help from Bridging the Gap initially encounter significant challenges in various areas

Enhancing Communication Skills: The Role of Speech and Language Therapy in Young Children

Effective communication skills are crucial for a child’s development and future success. For children facing challenges in speech and language, early intervention through speech therapy can make a significant difference. Let’s explore the varied techniques and benefits of speech and language therapy, particularly tailored for children with communication difficulties.   Techniques and Benefits of Speech and Language Therapy Speech and language therapy is a specialised field that focuses on improving a child’s ability to communicate effectively. At Bridging the Gap, our speech therapists perform two assessments to pinpoint your child’s strengths and areas for improvement. From these assessments, we create

Preparing Your Child for Mainstream School: Tips from Intervention Experts

As children approach the critical transition to mainstream education—whether it’s Kindergarten or Primary School—parents and caregivers often wonder how best to prepare them. This transition is an important milestone that can set the stage for a child's lifelong learning journey. School readiness programmes in Singapore and early intervention services are designed to ensure that children develop the necessary skills to thrive in a mainstream classroom environment. In this article, we will share strategies and insights from intervention experts at Bridging the Gap to help ease this significant transition for your child. What is a School Readiness Programme? A school readiness

How Building Social Skills Helps Children Interact Confidently

In today’s fast-paced world, there’s a growing expectation for children to achieve high grades and excel academically. While academic success is important, it’s just one piece of the puzzle. More than ever, children also need strong social and emotional skills to thrive. Aside from pursuing an impressive IQ (Intelligence Quotient) status, it is equally important to have skills to connect with others and adapt in this world. Yes, building up one’s Emotional Quotient (EQ) and Social Quotient (SQ) is just as crucial in helping them connect with others, adapt to challenges, and navigate life with confidence. However, many children today

Collaborative Intervention Approaches: Working with Therapists, Educators and Parents

At Bridging the Gap, it’s proven and tested that what makes an effective strategy towards a holistic child development is the collaboration among parents, therapists, and educators. Early intervention and collaborative therapy are vital for addressing developmental and/or behavioural challenges in children. The Why: This collaborative support ensures that children with diverse needs are recipients of comprehensive care and support across different phases of their lives – from early detection of developmental challenges to developing intervention plans and support systems. Engaging parents, educators, and therapists as a unified team ensures children receive the comprehensive support they need.   The Importance

Parent’s Guide to Creating a Supportive Learning Environment at Home

When we talk about Singapore’s quality of education, it is undeniable that the standards are skyrocketing, and it has placed parents in a crucial position – as early as the moment their child steps into the preschool age. With the help of therapy and other educational related programmes provided by different centres, parents have found their way to walk this pathway with some level of support that is a lot beneficial for their child’s journey. Benefits of a Supportive and Inclusive Learning Environment for Preschoolers Whether it's the sights, sounds, or smells, environments can make you feel welcome and secure.

How to Choose the Best Reading Programme in Singapore for Your Child: Guide for Early Literacy Success

It is an exciting time when children are transitioning from preschool to primary school. This step is a significant milestone as it officially opens their formal school stages. However, as exciting as this step is, some parents may have been caught in anxiety when considering the demands Primary 1 enrolment imposes to their child. Simply to put it, questions ranging from “Is my child ready for big school?” to “Will my child cope with primary school?”. One of the key skills that needs to be harnessed and developed is their early literacy and language skills – the basics being Reading

Brain-Boosting Fun: 5 Creative Play Ideas to Build Problem-Solving Skills in Kids

Play is an essential part of childhood development, and some activities go beyond fun by teaching critical thinking and problem-solving skills. These types of games challenge children to think creatively, explore different solutions, and work through obstacles. Here are five engaging play ideas that keep kids at Bridging the Gap have loads of fun and at the same time, enhance problem-solving abilities.   Rescue the Frozen Animals This sensory play activity requires children to "rescue" small toy animals trapped in ice, encouraging both hands-on experimentation and strategic thinking. The idea is simple: freeze plastic animals (or other small toys) in

Unlock the Magic of Play – An Interactive and Empowering Workshop for Parents at Bridging the Gap

Play might seem to be an ordinary and day-to-day activity for every child, but many a times, this tool has been underutilised. Bridging the Gap launched an exclusive workshop with an enlightening exploration into the role of play in child development and its impact on effective parenting. One Saturday morning, 27th of July 2024, wonderful parents signed up for the workshop “Unlock the Magic of Play” and had an engaging session at Bridging the Gap – Buona Vista. The workshop was led by Bridging the Gap’s Principal Speech Therapist, Wong Suet Leng. A New Perspective on Play The workshop aimed

Understanding Occupational Therapy for Children in Singapore: Everything Parents Need to Know

Occupational therapy plays a crucial role in supporting children with developmental needs in Singapore. As a parent, understanding the importance of occupational therapy and its significance in your child's life is crucial. What is Occupational Therapy? At Bridging the Gap, Pediatric Occupational Therapy is part of our Early Intervention Programme, focusing on helping children to the best level of functional ability in school, home, and society. Occupational therapy for children can help in improving gross and fine motor skills, sensory processing, self-regulation, posture, balancing, over-all coordination, visual-motor integration, handwriting, and activities of daily living. Understanding Occupational Therapy in Singapore

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Educational Assessment

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Nina

"I’ve always been passionate about working with children and making a meaningful impact on their lives. Supporting those with complex developmental needs allows me to turn patience and dedication into real, lasting progress, where even small steps create big change. I enjoy incorporating play and a little “magic” into my lessons- Abracadabra!

Head of Operations |
Head of Early Interventionists | Play Therapist

Nina holds an Advanced Diploma in Special Education from the College of Allied Educators, a Postgraduate Certificate in Therapeutic Play Skills, and a Diploma in Health Management and Promotion. For over 10 years of experience supporting children with special needs, including autism spectrum disorder (ASD), ADHD, global developmental delay, and speech delays, she has been empowering children and families at Bridging the Gap since its birth. Nina combines her expertise, compassion, and practical experience to help each child reach their full potential.

 

She has also served as a licensed gym instructor, providing Movement Therapy in a multi-sensory gym environment. As Head Senior Teacher and Play Therapist, Nina creates impactful learning experiences for children and mentors' teachers, guiding the team in developing strategies that nurture every child’s growth and potential.

Wong Suet Leng

"Over time, my perspective expanded. I realized that a child's success is deeply intertwined with the well-being of their entire ecosystem which is their family, their teachers, and their support network."

Head of Programmes | Head of Allied Team |
Principal Speech & Language Therapist

Suet Ling holds a Bachelor of Applied Sciences (Speech Pathology) and a Postgraduate Diploma in Educational Studies (Early Intervention). She finished her degree in University of Sydney and the University of Melbourne. She has 27 years of experience in the field and has undergone extensive training across various leading organizations to strengthen her skills and expertise.

 

Driven by a passion for empowering children and families, Suet Ling works closely with families to navigate complex challenges, equipping them to be strong advocates for their children. She also supports caregivers’ well-being, recognizing that their mental health is crucial for a child’s development.

 

Beyond working directly with children, Suet Ling is deeply committed to training and mentoring teachers and professionals, believing that building capacity in others amplifies her impact. She creates networks of support that help children access the tailored education they need while ensuring families and educators have the tools and resilience to guide them through every transition.

 

Her passion for working with children began early in her career, inspired by the joy of seeing children discover and grow in their own unique ways. This foundational experience continues to guide her belief in the profound impact that thoughtful, compassionate support can have on young lives.

Hannah

"Every day is a chance to turn small moments into meaningful learning opportunities, ensuring that every child feels seen and celebrating even the tiniest progress."

Senior Early Interventionist

Hannah holds a Degree in Special Needs Education and earned the Academic Achievement Award from Leyte Normal University, Philippines. With years of experience teaching children across Early Intervention, Mainstream, and Transition Education programmes, she is dedicated to supporting both children and their families. She empowers children with diverse developmental and learning needs to grow, build confidence, and reach their full potential.

 

Passionate about early intervention, Hannah understands that timely support can make a meaningful difference in a child’s development. She uses creative, hands-on approaches such as role-play and interactive activities to make learning engaging, purposeful, and enjoyable. Hannah believes that every child deserves a nurturing environment where they can explore, express themselves, and truly thrive.

Mickey

"Working in Early intervention allows me to be part of the journeys of different families. It’s fulfilling to know that my efforts, big or small, help make a difference in children’s lives and contribute to their holistic growth."

Senior Early Interventionist

Mickey holds a Degree in Elementary Education, Major in Special Education, from the University of Santo Tomas, Manila, Philippines. With 8 years of experience, she works closely with children in the classroom, witnessing their small milestones and celebrating the pride they feel when achieving something new.

 

Mickey enjoys crafty hobbies such as painting by numbers, building LEGO sets and miniature houses, and completing 500–1000-piece puzzles. These activities help her empathize with students’ patience and persistence as they tackle challenging tasks, allowing her to better support and guide them through learning.

Ying Wen

"I enjoy planning simple activities and games for children, using toys like cooking sets, dolls, or pretend play materials to make learning fun and engaging. It’s always rewarding to see children enjoying the activity while learning at the same time."

Senior Early Interventionist

Ying Wen holds a Degree of Arts in Psychology with a concentration in Mental Health from Southern New Hampshire University / INTI International College Subang, Malaysia. She has been serving children and families at Bridging the Gap and finds joy in witnessing each child’s small steps of growth and confidence.

 

She is passionate about Early intervention and Special education, knowing that the right support can help children develop essential skills for learning and daily life. Ying Wen enjoys collaborating with her team to create tailored strategies and activities that meet each child’s unique needs, celebrating every achievement along the way.

Ashley

"What motivates me most is witnessing the small but meaningful progress each child makes, and the daily interactions that help build trust, confidence and joy in learning."

Senior Early Interventionist

Ashley holds a BSc (Hons) in Psychology from the University of Nottingham, Malaysia. She brings her passion for teaching into every classroom moment, turning lessons into engaging mini adventures through singing, acting out story characters, or using games to teach numbers and words.

 

With her role as a Senior Early Interventionist and Teacher-in-Charge at the Buona Vista branch of Bridging the Gap, Ashley is dedicated to understanding each child’s unique needs while making learning fun and meaningful. She creates a supportive and joyful environment where children can explore, grow, and build confidence every day.

Karen

"When I see a child make progress, even the smallest steps- it makes me feel proud."

Senior Early Interventionist

Karen holds a Degree in Special Needs Education from Quest International University, Ipoh, Malaysia. Inspired by her aunt, who has special needs, she developed a deep love and understanding for children with developmental challenges. She has a particular affection for children with Down syndrome, which inspired her to dedicate her career to supporting children with diverse needs.

 

With her role as a Senior Teacher and Teacher-in-Charge at the City Square Mall branch of Bridging the Gap, Karen’s kind and nurturing approach helps children feel motivated, engaged and confident in their learning. She believes children learn best through play and naturalistic settings, integrating growth opportunities into daily routines. Her goal is to provide a safe, loving, and supportive environment where children can explore, learn, and develop at their own pace.

Sangheetha

"Seeing children gain skills, confidence, and independence inspires me and fuels my passion for Early intervention and Special education. I am committed to continuous learning, currently pursuing my Master's degree, to apply the latest strategies and ensure every child reaches their full potential."

After School Care Programme Lead

Sangheetha holds a bachelor's degree in psychology with Honors from the National University of Malaysia and is currently pursuing a Master of Science in Children with Special Needs. She has more than 5 years of experience working with children and has been part and now leading the After School Care Programme, which provides a safe and supportive environment for children outside school.

 

Her background includes working with adults facing mental health challenges, volunteering with the Penang Mental Health Association and the I-Life Suicide Prevention Campaign, and conducting project-based research, experiences that shaped her holistic approach to child development. Sangheetha began her career as a Special Needs Teacher, supporting children aged 7–9 with diverse learning needs, and initiated the design of a Snoezelen multi-sensory room, reflecting her commitment to creating engaging and innovative learning environments.

Sellam Rajandran

“I love to sing and dance so I am often adding that element in my sessions by singing phrases or carrying out dance and freeze with my students

Senior Speech Therapist

Sellam holds a Master of Science in Speech and Language Pathology from the National University of Singapore. She has 14 years of experience supporting children with special needs across various developmental and learning challenges. Her approach combines professional expertise with creativity, tailoring activities to each child’s unique abilities and interests to maximize engagement and learning outcomes.

 

What drives Sellam most is seeing children achieve progress, whether big or small, and witnessing the joy, pride, and confidence that these successes bring. She is deeply inspired by the resilience and determination of children and their families, and is passionate about advocating for her students, guiding them through challenges, and creating opportunities for them to grow, communicate, and thrive. Her work reflects the belief that early intervention, when delivered with care and creativity, can transform lives.

Bernice Liang

“I’m passionate about martial arts and inclusive sports and I enjoy exploring how activities like Taekwondo can be adapted for children of all abilities. It reflects how I approach teaching- creative, structured, and always focused on helping each child succeed in their own way.

Occupational Therapist

Bernice holds a Master of Special and Inclusive Education (MSIE) from the University of Newcastle, Australia, a Bachelor of Science in Occupational Therapy (Honours) from the Singapore Institute of Technology, and diplomas in Sport Science & Wellness and Biomedical Science from Republic Polytechnic, Singapore. With 5 years of experience, she has supported children and young adults across early intervention programs, clinics, centres, home-based therapy, special schools, hospitals, and school-to-work programs with SG Enable.

 

Bernice is inspired by children’s curiosity and openness, finding joy in witnessing them gain confidence, whether mastering a skill, expressing themselves, or engaging with others. She combines professional expertise with creativity, tailoring activities to each child’s abilities and interests. Passionate about advocating for her students and supporting families, Bernice believes that early intervention, delivered with care and creativity, can transform lives and empower children to thrive.

Michelle Sim

"It is meaningful to walk alongside families as they navigate their child’s developmental journey and to help the little ones build skills that allow them to communicate, participate, and grow more independent in their daily lives

Senior Speech Therapist

Michelle holds a Master’s in Speech Pathology from Curtin University, Western Australia, and has 7 years of experience in early intervention across both social service and private sectors, supporting young children with diverse developmental needs. She has been recognized for her excellence with the NCSS Social Service Award (2017) and the Most Outstanding Clinical Performance Award (2019) among final-year Speech Pathology students in Western Australia.

 

Michelle is passionate about working closely with both children and their families, guiding them through developmental challenges, celebrating every step forward, and equipping them with strategies to thrive in daily life.

 

Her approach blends professional expertise with creativity and empathy, ensuring that learning is engaging, supportive, and tailored to each child’s unique needs. Michelle’s work reflects her belief that early intervention transforms lives, empowering children to communicate effectively, participate fully, and reach their full potential.

Janice Tay

“Drawing from My Journey as a mother and Special Education Professional, I am dedicated in supporting families, breaking down barriers and creating Inclusive environments where every child with developmental needs can flourish and integrate.

 

 

Founder and Clinical Director

Janice Tay, our Founder and Clinical Director, holds a degree in Statistics and Finance and has previously worked in the financial sector. As a mother of a prematurely born child with developmental delays, Janice personally experienced the challenges of navigating mainstream education for a child with special needs. This inspired her to pursue a Master of Education in Special Education at Nanyang Technological University and to establish our Early Intervention center.

 

Passionate about providing holistic education for children with special needs, Janice is a strong advocate for inclusive and supportive environments. She is also a strong advocate in church settings, championing the creation of more structured and supportive environments for children and families. She has deep empathy for children who face learning challenges and social barriers, and she is committed to helping them integrate successfully into society.

 

To equip herself in supporting her own child and other children, Janice studied Educational Psychology and completed courses in ABA Therapy, Dyslexia, and Dyscalculia. She has extensive experience working one-on-one with children, designing Individualized Therapy programs tailored to their unique needs.

Currently, Janice serves as Case Supervisor, providing ongoing guidance and supervision for children’s Individualized Educational Plans (IEPs) and Behavior Intervention Plans (BIPs), ensuring each child receives the support they need to thrive.