Little Explorers Learning Centre stands as a unique educational space for young children with special needs, including autism, on the tranquil island of Koh Phangan, Thailand. This intimate school is exclusively limited to a small number of students, not exceeding eight, ensuring each child receives individual care and attention. The journey to create this haven is a tale of love, dedication, and the relentless pursuit of inclusive education, spearheaded by Lorna Doyle, an Australian national who made Thailand her home for over two decades.
In 1983, Lorna Doyle (formerly Lorna Panichpakdee) and her good friend faced a dilemma. They needed a preschool education for their young children, but the Thai kindergartens of the time were little more than babysitting centers, offering no real education.
Firmly believing that children could begin learning from the age of two, Lorna and her friend embarked on a mission to establish the first English-speaking kindergarten in Thailand. Their curriculum combined the principles of Montessori education with the British system, setting a new standard for early childhood education in the country.
Lorna's dedication to early childhood education didn't stop there. Over the years, she expanded her efforts, continually advocating for and developing educational programs that catered to the needs of young children. Lorna’s passion for education and her unwavering commitment to creating nurturing learning environments have left an indelible mark on countless young lives.
Decades later, in 2023, Lorna's son, Tyler Doyle, and her daughter-in-law, Sathacha Doyle Tintukanont, found themselves facing a similar challenge. Their young son, Tejay, was diagnosed with autism, but there were no suitable special needs educational facilities available on the islands. Drawing inspiration from Lorna's pioneering work, Tyler and Sathacha made a bold decision: they would create a small, elite school where children with unique learning requirements could learn and thrive at their own pace.
With Lorna's guidance, experience, and support, Tyler and Sathacha turned their vision into reality. Despite numerous obstacles and challenges, they were determined to make a difference in their son's life and the lives of others in similar situations. Lorna’s extensive experience in early childhood education and her innovative approach were instrumental in shaping the framework and philosophy of Little Explorers Learning Centre.
Little Explorers Learning Centre is more than just an educational institution; it is a place where children with special needs are given the opportunity to grow and develop in a nurturing and supportive environment.
Journey to Koh Phangan.
The journey to Koh Phangan was one of hope, healing, and transformation for Sathacha, Tyler, and their son Tejay. Faced with the challenges of raising a child with autism, they sought solace on the tranquil shores of the island. Throughout their time on Koh Phangan, they witnessed Tejay's remarkable progress under the care of nature, as he blossomed and thrived in ways they had never imagined. The island became more than just a temporary refuge; it became their home—a place where hope flourished, and miracles happened every day.
The COVID-19 pandemic posed new challenges, and Sathacha found herself homeschooling Tejay, discovering his love for learning. This experience underscored the need for a specialized educational framework tailored to children on the autism spectrum. As traditional schools began reopening, the family faced the daunting task of commuting daily from Koh Phangan to Koh Samui to access the nearest special needs school. This experience galvanized their resolve to establish Little Explorers on Koh Phangan.
To delve deeper into the mission and vision of Little Explorers Learning Centre, we had the privilege of speaking with Mrs. Sathacha Doyle Tintukanont, the principal of the institution. Her insights shed light on the motivations, challenges, and aspirations behind this remarkable project.
Can you share your journey to Koh Phangan? What brought you here initially, and what inspired you to make it your home?
The journey to Koh Phangan was one of hope, healing, and transformation for my husband Tyler, our son Tejay, and myself. Faced with the challenges of raising a child with autism, we sought solace on the tranquil shores of the island, drawn by the promise of a renowned therapist and a supportive community.
Throughout our time on Koh Phangan, we witnessed Tejay's remarkable progress under the care of nature, as he blossomed and thrived in ways we had never imagined. The island became more than just a temporary refuge; it became our home—a place where hope flourished, and miracles happened every day.
What motivated you to establish a specialized provision for children on the spectrum here on Koh Phangan?
The COVID-19 pandemic posed new challenges, and I found myself homeschooling Tejay, discovering his love for learning. This experience underscored the need for a specialized educational framework tailored to children on the autism spectrum.
In your opinion, why is it essential to provide a specialized educational framework tailored to the needs of children on the spectrum?
Imagine a classroom where every child is seen, understood, and valued for who they are. For children on the autism spectrum, this vision becomes a reality only when their unique needs are met through a specialized educational framework. Picture a child like Tejay, who struggles with sensory sensitivities that traditional classrooms cannot accommodate. In a specialized setting, his environment is designed to help him regulate sensory experiences, allowing him to focus on learning without being overwhelmed.
Consider the journey of a parent watching their child flourish in an environment that truly understands them. Traditional schools might not always grasp the intricacies of autism, leading to feelings of frustration or isolation for the child. However, in a specialized framework, the child feels accepted and empowered, fostering a positive learning environment.
Envision a school where academic success is within reach for every child because their education is tailored to their individual strengths and challenges. This personalized support maximizes their potential, turning obstacles into achievements. The serene, healing environment of Koh Phangan, with its fresh air and quiet atmosphere, further enhances this experience. The island's natural beauty and slower pace of life provide a nurturing backdrop for children to grow at their own pace, away from the chaos of busy cities.
At Little Explorers, we understand that transitioning to a new school can be daunting. We offer a welcome pack and a soft transition to make this process as smooth as possible. For families visiting the island, we provide short-term placements, ensuring every child has the opportunity to thrive, even if only for a brief period.
Ultimately, the story of Little Explorers is about creating a haven where children with autism can learn, grow, and shine. It’s about recognizing their unique needs and providing an environment that celebrates their potential, ensuring that every child has the chance to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.
How do you assist families in becoming acquainted with your specialized provision and its educational approach?
We aim to help parents and carers in any way that we can to ensure a smooth transition for both the child and the parent. We provide a welcome pack, which includes everything they need to know about how and why we teach the way we teach. We understand that transitioning educational settings can be a challenging time for children with special educational needs, and this may cause some anxieties for the parents too. We ensure that the approach to transitioning the child over to Little Explorers is comfortable for them. We offer a soft transition for new starters, which can include short sessions or shorter weeks to allow them to build at their own pace.
Does your specialized provision offer any programs or activities for short-term visitors?
Yes, we have given lots of careful consideration to families who may be visiting the island and who also have children with additional needs. We offer short-term placements—daily or weekly—for parents who are in need of a little respite while on holiday.
Looking ahead, what are your aspirations and vision for Little Explorers' future?
At the heart of our vision is the belief that every child deserves access to high-quality education and support, regardless of their abilities or challenges. By establishing an autistic school in Koh Phangan, we aim to bridge the gap in educational opportunities for children with autism and provide them with the resources, tools, and services they need to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.
Please share with us about the team leading and running the school.
At Little Explorers Learning Centre, we are incredibly fortunate to have a dedicated and passionate team leading and running the school. One of our key team members is Charlotte, who brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to supporting children with special needs. After earning her BA (Hons) in Primary Education with a focus on Special Educational Needs, Charlotte spent six years in England working as a special education teacher, specializing in ADHD, autism, and social/emotional disabilities (SEMH). She also supported attendees with special needs at events and festivals during the summer. Her continuous professional development and 15 years of volunteering with Girl Guiding UK further showcase her dedication and expertise.
Another invaluable member of our team is Louise, who also holds a BA (Hons) in Primary Education with a focus on Special Educational Needs. Louise worked for six years in England as a special education teacher, specializing in both mild and complex autism, ADHD, and severe learning difficulties (SLD). Her commitment to professional growth is evident through the numerous courses and additional qualifications she has completed. Louise's dedication to helping others began early; as a teenager, she volunteered for five years, teaching dance to adults with disabilities. Her extensive experience and passion for special education make her an essential part of our team.
Finally, let me introduce myself. I'm Nok, also known as Sathacha Doyle Tintukanont, and I serve as the Thai Administrator here at Little Explorers. As a local parent with a passion for children's education, especially for those on the spectrum or with additional needs, I bring a personal touch to our administrative operations. I lived in Melbourne for eight years, where I studied ABA Therapy, specializing in speech therapy, and completed over 50 hours of training. My journey and dedication ensure that our school operates with empathy and understanding, making Little Explorers a truly nurturing environment for all our students.
Could you share some final thoughts on your family's remarkable journey and the inspiration behind creating Little Explorers Learning Centre?
Little Explorers Learning Centre is not just a school; it is a testament to the power of love, dedication, and the unwavering belief in the potential of every child. Through the efforts of Lorna, Tyler, and Sathacha, children on the autism spectrum in Koh Phangan now have a place where they can learn, grow, and thrive. The story of Little Explorers is a beacon of hope and a reminder that with determination and compassion, we can create inclusive spaces that empower all children to reach their fullest potential.
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