Kiwanis Club of Johor Bahru registered KDSF JB Centre under the Companies Act and has tax exemption status granted by the Inland Revenue Department under the umbrella of the Kiwanis Down’s Syndrome Foundation on 7 July 1993.

KDSF JB Centre is housed in a double-storey bungalow with a built-up of 6000 sq ft and has more than 40 students with 5 teachers. The idea of this facility to help children with Down Syndrome, providing critical early intervention programmes (EIP) for them from two months to six years old. One of the main objectives is to prepare the children so that they are ready for the Special Education in typical government schools.

KDSF JB Centre provides the following Early Intervention Programmes for children with Down Syndrome:

1. Infant Stimulation Programme (ISP)
Students in ISP is from 2 months – 24 months. ISP is a therapy-based programme to provide parental education wherein therapists will work closely with the parents to ensure proper guidance on handling, positioning and many other important skills that parents need to acquire to support their child’s development at an early stage. It is compulsory for the parent/caregiver to attend the Infant Stimulation Programme with their child.

2. Toddler Programme (TOD)
Toddler Programme is catered to children approximately 2 years to 3 years old, more emphasis will be given to skills development such as early language, enhancement of motor skills, and social development all in an environment of fun and play. Students in the Toddler Programme will be provided with one-to-one and group sessions.

3. Special Education Programme (SEP)
SEP caters children aged 4-6 years old. The programme is conducted very similar to the kindergaten programme, self-help or independence skills and social skills are given great emphasis. Students are taught to refine their language and pre-academic skills.

Students attending the programme in KDSF JB Centre pay a heavily subsidized fees which is not sufficient to sustain the operations of the Centre. KDSF JB Centre depends solely on public donations and the support by the Kiwanis Club of Johor Bahru.

Since the Movement Control Order was imposed by the Malaysian Government on 18 March 2020, teaching of students and counselling of Parents have shifted online. All our face-to-face group teaching (pre-MCO) have been suspended. When school resumes stringent SOPs will be implemented and followed.

The lockdown as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic has impacted the Centre tremendously. In this trying time, donations to the Centre have lessened considerably. Fundraising and adequate funding is therefore a great challenge for us. It is our sincere hope to obtain sufficient support from sponsors and donors so that we are able to continue with our cause for children with Down Syndrome for many years to come.