Department of Special Education Needs Services Announces “Call for Registration” of Children with Neurodevelopmental Disorders.

PRESS RELEASE

FROM THE DEPARTMENT OF SPECIAL EDUCATION NEEDS SERVICES

Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands – The Department of Special Education Needs Services of the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports, and Culture is pleased to announce a call for registration for all children with neurodevelopmental disorders in the Turks and Caicos Islands.  This initiative aims to identify and support children between the ages of 2 and 21 who are either formally or informally diagnosed with conditions such as language disorder, ADHD, autism spectrum disorder, Down Syndrome, and more.

This registration is also open to children who are residents of Turks and Caicos but currently residing abroad. As we continue to develop our services, this initiative is critical for accounting for the number of children registered as having special needs, determining the number requiring special education, and identifying those in need of therapy services.

Director of Special Education Needs Services, Dr. Anya Malcolm-Gibbs, emphasized the importance of this registration drive, stating, “our goal is to ensure that every child with neurodevelopmental disorders receives the necessary support and services. By registering, we can better understand the needs of our community and allocate resources effectively to support our children and their families.” The Minister of Education, Hon. Rachel M. Taylor, commended the department, stating, “The Department of Special Education Needs Services continues to exemplify dedication to our children’s future. This registration initiative is a testament to their commitment to enhancing the lives of our neurodiverse children.”

Key Details:

• Who should register: Children with neurodevelopmental disorders aged 2 to 21, either formally or informally diagnosed, including those residing abroad.
• Conditions Included: Language Disorders, ADHD, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Down Syndrome, Physical Impairments, Intellectual Disabilities, amongst others.
• Conditions Excluded: Disruptive Disorders such as Conduct Disorder, Oppositional Defiance Disorder, as well as Mood Disorders and Anxiety Disorders.

We encourage all parents and guardians to complete the attached online registration form, which has also been translated to French and Spanish. This information is vital for us to provide the best possible services and support for our children. The registration will run for the months of August and September, and our database will continuously be updated.

Please follow this link to the registration page:

https://forms.office.com/r/KAGYa3rc0W

For further information or assistance with the registration process, please contact the Department of Special Education Needs Services at sens@gov.tc. Together, we can create a brighter future for our children.