How to tell if your child has special education needs

EVERY PARENT thinks his/her child is the most special little person they have ever met, but what if your child is different? What if your child is not developing at the pace you think he/she should be? What do you do? diGJamaica has embarked on a quest to help parents recognise developmental challenges in their children and where to find help.

IIIIIProblems with speech, including pronunciation or learning new words Problems following simple instructions Difficulty with rhyming Difficulty learning the alphabet or learning to count Problems with motor skills such as walking, skipping, running, or balancing Struggles with fine motor skills such as button or zipping his clothes, grasping or manipulating small objects, using scissors, colouring or painting Difficulty learning colours, shapes or other concepts Difficulty staying focused and paying attention Trouble making friends or interacting with peers Easily angered or frustrated, may throw temper tantrums. build-up of wax in the ear, but at other times, there could be more serious health complications.

If a special challenge is identified, there is a referral process that takes place so that the child can be enrolled in a special-education programme. Child’s doctor/local clinic School administration Ministry of Social Security (14 National Heroes Circle, Tel: 876-922-8000-9; Toll Free: 1-888-991-2089) All parents with special-needs children must register them at the Ministry of Social Security’s Early Stimulation Programme. If you need financial assistance, the child can be placed on the Programme for Advancement Through Health and Education (PATH).