The South Coast School for Children with Autism provides
educational programs for children with autism aged 4
to 16 years.
The school is spread across a wide geographical area with three drawing areas:
Illawarra
Shoalhaven
Riverina – Albury and Wagga Wagga
1. Helensburgh in the north to Kiama in the south and Appin to the west. The base school at Corrimal has early childhood and primary classes. There are four satellites in the Wollongong area. These are located at Towradgi Public School, Hayes Park Public School, Para Meadows School for Specific Purposes and Warilla North Public School. These satellite classes offer placement for students in the kindergarten to primary range within Department of Education & Training schools.
2. The Shoalhaven area – Gerringong in the north to St Georges Basin area in the south and Kangaroo Valley in the west. The class is located on the infants’ site of Nowra Public School.
3. Riverina – two
classes each at St. Patrick’s Parish School Albury
(infants and primary) and Sacred Heart School Wagga
Wagga.
The school provides a specialised curriculum and community integration programs supported by a multidisciplinary team comprising a family support worker, school counsellor, speech therapist and speech pathologist. All of these positions are part-time. There is a strong commitment to transitioning a student to the next least restrictive setting. Therefore the average length of time a student spends within the school is three years.
The school provides a centre-based Early Intervention program - South Coast Jigsaw - one day per week.
Monthly “Coffee Mornings” are held at Corrimal the last Wednesday of each month to provide networking for families as well as information sessions. Child minding is provided.
An outreach service is provided for children and young people to the age of 20 years. Parents or other service providers may make referrals. There is a nominal charge for this service.
The Parents & Friends Association meets on the last Wednesday of each month.
The school works closely with other services to support the students and families.
Respite Services:
Illawarra Interchange Inc provides recreational activities for children who have moderate to high support needs at the school on Saturdays as well as respite for families. Phone: 02 4227 1079.
Bega Valley Respite provides a similar service. Phone: 02 6495 3797
Interchange Shoalhaven will organise a range of respite options. Phone: 02 4423 0255.
Illawarra Commonwealth Carers will organise a range of respite options. Phone: 02 4233 1923.
Vacation Care:
Illawarra Children’s Services provide Vacation Care at the base school (Corrimal) during school holidays. Phone: 02 4227 2366.
Illawarra Disability Trust provides Vacation Care and After School Care for 13 years to 18 years. Phone: 02 4255 8000.
