Special Education Needs Services Department Launches Monthly Parent Training Night Series

The Special Education Needs Services (SENS) Department of the Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, is proud to announce the launch of its Parent Training Night Series, beginning Tuesday, 16 September 2025. This monthly initiative is designed to empower parents and caregivers of children with diverse learning needs by providing practical tools, expert guidance, and a supportive community.

Each month, parents will have the opportunity to hear from guest expert presenters on key topics within neurodiversity. The sessions are aimed at helping families better understand their child’s unique needs, build stronger advocacy skills, and create meaningful pathways for success.

The first session, scheduled for September 16, will focus on three areas:

• Understanding and accepting a diagnosis

• Advocating effectively for your child

• Identifying the way forward with confidence and support

“Our goal is to ensure that parents are not only informed but also feel equipped and supported as they navigate their child’s journey,” said Dr. Anya Malcolm-Gibbs, Director of Special Education.

“When families are empowered, children thrive, and that is at the heart of this initiative.” Hon. Rachel M. Taylor, Minister of Education, Youth, Sports and Social Services, expressed support for the initiative, stating, “The launch of the Parent Training Night Series is a powerful step toward ensuring that parents are not only informed but also engaged partners in their child’s development. When we equip families with knowledge and tools, we strengthen our education system and create a more inclusive future for all children in the Turks and Caicos Islands.”

The series will continue monthly on the third Tuesday of every month, with each session exploring different aspects of neurodiversity, including communication, behaviour and speech strategies, wellness, and building collaborative partnerships with schools.

All parents and caregivers are invited to attend. Participation is free, and sessions will be hosted virtually on Teams, allowing for greater access.

For more information, please contact the Special Education Needs Department at sens@gov.tc and follow our social media pages @senstci.