Introducing the Department of Special Education Needs Services  

#TurksandCaicos, January 18, 2024 – The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Social Services is thrilled to announce the establishment of the Department of Special Needs Services (DSENS).  It is a pivotal entity dedicated to advancing and enhancing the lives of individuals with special needs across our beautiful islands.  Recognizing the commendable efforts of past providers, the department aims to build upon the foundation they laid and further elevate the standards of special education in the region.

In its inaugural year, the department is strategically focused on building service capacity and has assembled a highly skilled and passionate team committed to making a lasting impact. The core team includes:

• • Dr. Anya Malcolm Gibbs                                  Director
  • Lashaunda Dickenson Skippings                    Coordinator of Assessments
  • Christina Joseph                                            Behavioural Analyst
  • Jamiliyah Jordan                                            Speech/Language Pathologist
  • Paulette Simmons                                          Special Needs Teacher (SNAP)
  • Sheniqua Morgan                                           Assistant Special Needs Teacher (SNAP)

The following positions below are to be filled within the next few weeks:

• Occupational Therapist
• 6 additional special needs teachers

The department’s overarching goal is to establish a Special Needs Center, a hub of support, resources, and expertise for individuals with special needs. As part of our commitment to providing exceptional services, we are proud to announce the continued operation of our Special Needs Association of Providenciales (SNAP) center, which currently serves as the placement for our children with moderate to severe neurodevelopmental challenges. Though at capacity, as we expand, this center will play a crucial role in fostering the growth and development of those we serve. In the interim, our dedicated team is committed to delivering vital services across all islands, within the schools and communities, laying the groundwork for a more inclusive future.

Exciting developments are on the horizon as we collaborate with international partners. Over the coming months, teams of specialists from One World Foundation and Therapy Abroad will be joining us to provide auditory evaluations and diagnostic assessments, with a primary focus on Autism Spectrum disorders. Additionally, speech and occupational therapy camps will be offered, contributing to the holistic well-being of our community.

The Department of Special Education Needs Services is not just a department; it is a beacon of hope, unity, and progress. We invite the community to join us on the transformative journey as we work together towards creating a more inclusive and supportive environment for all. We look forward to having you all to our official launch on Tuesday, February 27^th, 2024, where we will share more details of our interim services. We invite you to look forward to new exciting initiatives as we continue in our best efforts.

The Minister responsible for Education, Hon. Rachel M. Taylor commented, “My Ministry is continuing efforts to assist children with special needs. Services for children with special educational needs and disabilities in the Turks and Caicos Islands are being transformed with the addition of these new specialized staff and the introduction of national standards for the Department.  The long-awaited changes are being introduced to ensure that children and young people with special needs get high-quality and early support.  All children are entitled to proper education regardless of their intellectual abilities.”  Hon Taylor also stated that services at the SNAP Center are being manned by trained professionals who are passionate about assisting children to navigate the limitations that come with their respective intellectual, emotional, or physical disabilities.