In the framework of the project "Early intervention" on March 12-16, 2018, the staff of the CO "MACZ" had an introductory practice, visiting specialized institutions in Switzerland dealing with children having special needs.

Together with colleagues from the center of the Parent Organization for Children with Down Syndrome in Kiev, our trainees - Lesya Levko and Tatiana Kozel - visited these institutions:

• Treatment-education Service for Early Intervention, Luzern (HFD (Heilpädagogische Früherziehung Luzern)
• Medical-Educational Children Orphanage Weidmatt (Heilpädagogisches Kinderheim Weidmatt)
• Early Intervention Service of Zug (Früherziehungsdienst Zug)
• Children's Physiotherapy Ebikon (Kinderphysiotherapie Ebikon)

We learned about the principles of organization, administration and financing in these institutions, especially with regard to diagnosis and further support of the children, services provided at a professional level (correctional pedagogy, physiotherapy and speech therapy), as well as the principles of individual work with children at home. During the practical classes, we got acquainted with the materials for testing, game material, peculiarities of conducting playing classes with children.

Having studied a lot of new things, we also received a powerful charge of motivation for further work. The internship program has revealed a wide range of issues and methods, the study and introduction into practice of which is extremely relevant right now, when the decentralization and deinstitutionalization reform has started in Ukraine, and professional support for parents of children with special needs begins to be regulated at the state level.