Dr Jason McGowanDirectorI have undergraduate, post graduate and doctoral qualifications in Education and Literacy and Learning Disability.
In April 1998, after several years of teaching, I commenced the Educational Consultancy known as Literacy Care. The services of Literacy Care have been provided as part of the Child Development Network since 2003.
As a clinical educator I can continue in my essential role as a teacher as well as enjoy the great privilege of operating within a multidisciplinary environment.
I believe in and support the notion of multidisciplinary treatment for learning and developmental disorders. A highly collaborative and cooperative team, a well designed treatment plan with multiple participants and a common area of operations provides even the most challenged student with the greatest chance of success.
My particular interest is in scientific evidence-based literacy interventions which research shows can not only skill a person but can impact on the very constitutional reason for the disability. Learning Disabilities may not be curable in the ‘neurological’ sense but they can be effectively managed so as children with such difficulties will not only survive but thrive.
Gail NorthcoteSpecial Education and Literacy ConsultantMy teaching career started by completing undergraduate and postgraduate qualifications in education while teaching at a high school level. After four years of teaching my passion to empower children struggling within the main stream system led me to further post graduate study in learning difficulties. To support those in need I added a qualification in counseling to supplement my undergraduate qualification in psychology. I have extensive experience working within special needs schools, main stream support and school readiness internationally.
My ambition is to enable and empower children with learning difficulties who face an ongoing challenge to navigate the education system. I am passionate about advocating for those on the margins. I have published a book on Learning Options.
Working with Literacy Care has given me the opportunity to work within a team to support children and their parents in accessing evidence-based literacy interventions so that they can better access the curriculum.
Rachel McDonaldSpecial Education and Literacy ConsultantI have almost 20 years of teaching experience in a range of educational settings in community schools, primary and secondary schools, classroom teaching and specialised literacy. I have a bachelor’s degree in Early Childhood and postgraduate studies in Learning Support, majoring in Inclusive Literacy Education.
The past 10 years I have been teaching in specialised education programs working with students with autism, speech/language disorders and dyslexia. I work closely with families and class teachers to support all those involved to achieve optimal educational outcomes for the child. My passion lies in working with students with reading disorders as I believe all children can learn to read through quality researched-based programs, explicit instruction, systematic phonics and individualised support.
The school environment is challenging for children with learning difficulties and their families. I see my role at Literacy Care as an advocate for our students so they are supported within our service and through their school experience. A collaborative approach with families and teachers will support everyone involved in the life-long journey for the child.
