The Special Services Section of the Department of Education has administrative responsibility for providing support to our schools in the areas of Special Education, (including special schools, alternative programmes and specialized units), School Psychology, Speech Therapy, Guidance and Counselling and School Attendance. Flexible Work Schedule (FWS) allow access to staff members between the hours of 7:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. daily, Monday through Friday. Special arrangements for service provisions are in place for Saturday and Sunday to accommodate clients from the Family Islands only.

Vision:

To ensure that public schools are successful and safe learning, teaching and working environments for students, teachers, administrators and other school personnel.

Mission:

To develop, implement and maintain programmes in the public school system that will enhance and sustain a climate that is safe and peaceful and is conducive to learning, personal growth and development and the overall success for all students and school personnel.

We believe that:

1. The role of Special Services Section will continue to become even more critical with the expansion of education at the preschool to high school levels.
   
2. The increase in both social and educational challenges in schools warrant a careful and deliberate review of how our programmes are formulated, implemented, monitored and staffed.
   
3. Direct and indirect delivery of services to clients and families must be offered in a timely and unobtrusive manner.
   
4. That additional qualified and competent support staff be accessible to all thirteen (13) school districts.

Client Referral to the Special Services Section:

To ensure that schools and the public have full and easy access to our services, and to facilitate a more efficient referral process, the following guidelines are provided.

1. Principals, Teachers, Guidance Counselors, Social Workers, Parents or a concerned individual can make initial referrals.
   
2. Referrals can be made via facsimile, electronic mail, and telephone or in person.
   
3. Referral by school personnel should only be made after parents or guardians have been informed.
   
4. Although referrals should be made as the need arises, schools are encouraged to make them early in the school year preferably during the summer months.
   
5. A brief report outlining the nature of the case and areas of concern should be provided at the initial appointment.
   
6. Should it become necessary to administer certain standardized tests the section will require written approval from the relevant persons.

Request for Special Services Team to visit any Family Island School Districts for personalized activities should be forwarded in writing:

Special Services Section

Thompson Blvd., New Providence
Tel: (242) 502-2700,
502-2704 or 322-8140
Fax:
P. O. Box N-3913
Nassau, Bahamas

Email us at cso.edu@batelnet.bs