ibber South Africa on nurturing capability, calm, and self-belief through inclusive early childhood education
As the journey of inclusive education continues to gather momentum in South Africa, one truth remains clear: every child deserves to be seen, heard, and valued. At Dibber International Preschools, this belief lies at the heart of our practice—because building confidence in children with special needs is not about ticking boxes. It’s about creating moments of empowerment that ripple into lifelong self-belief.
“Children with special needs thrive when they feel emotionally safe and capable,” says Ursula Assis, Country Director of Dibber South Africa. “Our role, whether as teachers or parents, is to create environments where children are invited to explore, express, and grow—at their own pace and in their own way.”
Here are five ways Dibber encourages independence and confidence in children with special needs—practical strategies that parents can also embrace at home.
1. Predictable Routines that Offer Gentle Flexibility
Children feel more secure when they know what to expect. For those with special needs, structured routines offer comfort and control. At Dibber, daily transitions are guided by visual schedules, familiar songs, and calm, predictable rhythms. These tools help children take ownership of their day. “Even completing one step independently—like packing their own bag—is a win,” says Assis. “We celebrate these milestones because they build self-esteem.”
2. Play with Purpose
Play is more than just fun—it’s a child’s way of making sense of the world. For children with special needs, unstructured and imaginative play supports decision-making, sensory exploration, and social connection. Dibber classrooms are intentionally designed with open-ended materials like sensory trays, building blocks, and pretend-play zones. “Play is a child’s natural language,” says Assis. “When we follow their lead, we build their confidence to try, create, and collaborate.”
3. Praise the Process, Not Just the Outcome
Confidence is cultivated when effort is recognised. Children with special needs may face challenges that require persistence – and when adults acknowledge that effort, they feel seen and validated. Dibber educators use intentional language such as “You kept going even when it was hard” to help children develop resilience and internal motivation. “We’re not looking for perfection,” Assis explains. “We’re celebrating courage, grit, and progress.”
4. Leadership in Small Moments
When children are given responsibilities – no matter how small – they begin to see themselves as capable contributors. At Dibber, leadership is woven into the day, with children taking turns leading a game, setting out cups at snack time, or choosing the next classroom activity. These roles are thoughtfully adapted for each child’s abilities. “When a child feels trusted, they rise to the occasion,” says Assis. “It’s a powerful shift from being helped to being helpful.”
5. Emotional Support That Builds Inner Strength
Big transitions and new experiences can bring big emotions – especially for children with special needs. Dibber educators use emotion coaching to help children recognise, name, and manage their feelings. Phrases like “It’s okay to feel nervous; I’m right here with you” help create a secure emotional base. “Confidence doesn’t come from masking feelings,” says Assis. “It comes from knowing your emotions are accepted and supported.”
At the heart of it all is connection.
Confidence grows when children feel loved for who they are, not what they do. In homes and classrooms where empathy and patience are practised daily, every child has the chance to shine.
“At Dibber, we call this heart culture,” says Assis. “It’s about building trust, celebrating small steps, and helping each child see their own value. When educators and families work together in this way, children with special needs aren’t just included, they’re empowered.”
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