Learner Support Assistant Training Manual

The Learner Support Assistant (LSA) Training Manual, developed by the Kenya Institute of Curriculum Development (KICD) in partnership with Sense International Kenya, provides comprehensive guidance for training LSAs to effectively support learners with disabilities in diverse educational settings. It aims to equip trainees with essential knowledge, skills, and values to promote inclusion and improve learning outcomes in alignment with Kenya’s 2018 Sector Policy for learners with disabilities and Sustainable Development Goal 4. The manual covers early identification, assessment, and intervention for various disabilities; understanding child growth and development; and implementing adapted and specialized components of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). It also trains LSAs on creating Individualized Education Programmes (IEPs), modifying learning environments, and supporting learners through assistive technologies.

Beyond curriculum and assessment, the manual emphasizes communication strategies, including sign language, Braille, and augmentative and alternative communication (AAC), to overcome learning barriers. It further focuses on functional life skills, health, nutrition, and safety practices that enhance independence and well-being. LSAs are trained to offer psychosocial support, uphold ethics, and collaborate with teachers, parents, and professionals to foster inclusive, learner-centered education. The manual concludes by underscoring the LSA’s vital role in ensuring smooth transitions for learners with disabilities across school and vocational stages, promoting equitable access, participation, and lifelong learning.