BUZZ BEAT MEDIA

Bridging the Gap (BtG), a homegrown multidisciplinary early intervention and educational therapy provider, is announcing two major developments that strengthen its support for neurodiverse learners. BtG will launch a new After-School Care Programme in January 2026 and has expanded into the East with its latest centre at Parkway Parade in Marine Parade, which opened in October 2025 and is now fully operational.

The After-School Care Programme was conceived after BtG observed that many families completing the Early Intervention and School Readiness programmes were unsure how to maintain their children’s progress beyond formal therapy hours. Founder and Clinical Director, Janice Tay, explained that the idea emerged naturally from conversations with parents who expressed concern about their children struggling in the late afternoon. She shared that many parents told her the real challenges begin after school, when structure fades, and children struggle to manage transitions and apply what they learned in therapy.

Janice added that typical after-school services often cannot meet the needs of children with developmental, learning or emotional differences. She explained that most student care settings focus on homework supervision, but this is rarely enough for neurodiverse learners who require therapeutic reinforcement and emotional support. BtG has designed its programme to bridge this gap by creating a space where children can continue practising communication, motor, sensory and emotional regulation skills while receiving guidance from trained professionals.

The programme integrates communication support, occupational therapy strategies, play-based social learning and guided academic reinforcement into each session. This multidisciplinary structure allows children to generalise therapeutic skills into their everyday routines. Janice noted that real progress happens not only during formal therapy sessions but also during daily tasks such as homework, transitions, group play and problem-solving. Pilot groups have already shown encouraging improvements in emotional regulation, social communication and independent task readiness.

The After-School Care Programme will be supported by BtG’s team of Speech and Language Therapists, Occupational Therapists, Play Therapists, specialised educators and behavioural coaches. The team works closely together to ensure alignment between therapy goals, school expectations and home routines, creating a consistent and predictable environment for each child.

The programme will be available at BtG’s Buona Vista and City Square Mall centres, as well as at the newly opened Marine Parade centre, which is already welcoming families in the East.

The Marine Parade centre spans approximately 1,000 square feet and features dedicated therapy rooms, learning studios, a sensory and motor activity area, an adaptive life-skills room and a parent consultation space. It offers Early Intervention, Speech and Language Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Educational Therapy, the School Readiness Programme, Social Skills Training and the After-School Care Programme.

*All Photos from Bridging the Gap