Education
MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, YOUTH, SPORTS, AND CULTURE STRENGTHENS EARLY INTERVENTION INITIATIVES WITH TRAINING FOR K1 AND SPECIAL EDUCATION TEACHERS
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands, 20th May 2024 – On Friday, 17th May 2024, the Special Education Needs Officer of the Education Department, Mrs. Faiada James, organized a pivotal training opportunity for K1 and Special Education teachers from across the Turks & Caicos Islands. This training, facilitated by the Coordinator Assessments, Mrs. Lashaunda Skippings, underscores the Ministry of Education’s commitment to enhancing early intervention strategies within the education system.
The training initiative provided educators with comprehensive sessions on General Soft Skills for Screening Exercises, followed by hands-on training for the administration of the Ages and Stages Questionnaire (ASQ). The ASQ is a developmental screening tool designed to identify children’s strengths and areas where they may need additional support. It evaluates five key areas: communication, gross motor skills, fine motor skills, problem-solving, and personal-social skills. Early intervention facilitated by the ASQ is crucial as it allows for timely identification of developmental delays, enabling educators and parents to provide targeted support and resources. This proactive approach significantly enhances children’s developmental outcomes, paving the way for their future academic and social success.
“The training was an enriching experience for our teachers,” stated Mrs. Faiada James. “We are equipping our educators with the skills and knowledge necessary to effectively identify and support the developmental needs of our youngest learners. This initiative is a crucial step in our commitment to providing inclusive education for all.” The training was also attended by the Teacher Development and Training Education Officer, Dr. Keran Williams, and Early Childhood Education Officer, Ms. Heidi Williams.
Mrs. Lashaunda Skippings emphasized the importance of this tool, stating, “The Ages and Stages Questionnaire is instrumental in our early intervention efforts. By identifying developmental delays early, we can implement strategies and support systems that significantly improve a child’s developmental trajectory. This training ensures that our teachers are well-prepared to utilize the ASQ effectively.”
As part of the Ministry’s ongoing efforts to refresh and reinforce the use of screening tools in schools, all students entering K1 this September will undergo developmental screening using the ASQ. This initiative reflects the overall commitment to ensuring that every
child has the best possible start to their educational journey. Director of Special Education Needs Services, Dr. Anya Malcolm-Gibbs, remarked, “seeing such a strong turnout of 30 teachers from across TCI is truly inspiring. Early screening and intervention are key components of our strategy to provide comprehensive support.”
Minister of Education, Hon. Rachel Taylor concluded, “I am immensely proud of the dedication shown by our educators. The ASQ training exemplifies our commitment to ensuring that every child in the Turks and Caicos Islands can succeed. By identifying and addressing developmental delays early, we are laying a strong foundation for the future of our children and our nation.”
The Ministry of Education is dedicated to fostering an inclusive and supportive learning environment. By equipping our teachers with the necessary skills and tools, we are taking significant steps towards improving educational outcomes for all students, particularly those with special needs. This training underscores the collective effort to improve early childhood education and ensure that all children in the Turks and Caicos Islands have access to the support they need to thrive.
Bahamas Information Services
GRAND BAHAMA, The Bahamas — On Saturday, August 23, 2025, Parliamentary Secretary in the Ministry for Grand Bahama and Member of Parliament for West Grand Bahama and Bimini, Kingsley Smith along with Deputy Director of Education for the Grand Bahama, Bimini, and The Cays District, Michelle Bowleg toured Holmes Rock Junior High School to assess ongoing progress and ensure the project remains on track to welcome students for the new academic term in September.
Following the tour, Smith expressed optimism regarding the ongoing progress, stating, “Having toured the site and seeing the work that is
being done on the weekend, shows the commitment and dedication to getting it completed.”
He also noted that after discussions with the contractors, he was assured that with sufficient manpower and around-the-clock work, the project remains on track for completion by September 1, 2025.
“One of our underlying goals is really access, so we are happy that the school will be up and ready for our students,” said Bowleg.
She highlighted that several zoom meetings were held with parents to keep them informed about key updates including booklists, uniforms, and staffing. According to Bowleg, feedback from parents has been overwhelmingly positive.
“It is a beautiful facility, one that parents will be very proud of, and the entire West Grand Bahama community,” she added.
(BIS Photos/Danielle Rollon)
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