Ministry of Education Announces Special Education Month 2026
News Release
The Ministry of Education, Youth, Sports and Culture, through its Department of Special Education Needs Services (SENS), is pleased to announce the observance of Special Education Month 2026, under the theme “No Learner Left Out: The Power of Inclusive Teaching.”
Throughout November, the SENS Department will host activities aimed at raising awareness, celebrating learners with special educational needs, and strengthening inclusive practices across schools in the Turks and Caicos Islands. This year's theme places particular emphasis on the role of educators and school leaders in ensuring that every learner is supported, valued, and given meaningful opportunities to succeed.
The Minister of Education, Youth, Sports & Culture, Hon. Rachel Taylor, reaffirmed the Ministry's commitment to inclusive education, stating, “Every child in the Turks and Caicos Islands deserves an education that recognises their abilities and responds to their individual needs.
As a Ministry, we remain committed to strengthening our schools, supporting our educators, and ensuring that all learners have opportunities to reach their full potential. I commend the SENS Department, our teachers, and families for their continued dedication and encourage everyone to embrace this year's message that no learner should be left out.”
Special Education Month activities include:
Inter-High School SEN Speech Competition – November 6: Students from public and private High Schools across the TCI will gather at Beaches Turks & Caicos to speak on the topic “Every Learner, Every Classroom: Reimagining What Inclusive Teaching Looks Like.”
3rd Annual SEN Conference – November 20: Held at Beaches Turks & Caicos under the theme “Leading Inclusion: Building Schools Where Every Learner Can Succeed,” the conference will focus on strengthening inclusive education through school leadership, collaboration, and practical strategies.
Fridays in Colour: Schools, workplaces, and communities are encouraged to participate by wearing Yellow (November 6 – Inclusion), Blue (November 13 – Autism), Orange (November 20 – ADHD), and Red (November 27 – Physical Differences).
Assessment Opportunities: Hearing and psychoeducational assessments will be facilitated across the islands throughout November.
School-Based Awareness Activities: Schools are encouraged to host activities promoting understanding, acceptance, and inclusive teaching.
SNAP Fun Day: An inclusive recreational event will be held in collaboration with Ashley's Learning Center.
The Department is also pleased to release the Special Education Month awareness video featuring educators and education leaders from across the islands, highlighting their commitment to inclusive teaching.
Director of Special Education Needs Services, Dr Anya Malcolm-Gibbs, emphasised the importance of meaningful inclusion within classrooms: “A child can be present in a classroom every day and still not feel included. This year, we wanted our focus to return to the classroom because that is where inclusion must become a reality.
Inclusive education is a shared responsibility that requires school leaders, teachers, families, and communities to work together. We have made meaningful progress, but there is still work to be done. Our hope is that this month challenges each of us to ask: What am I doing to ensure that no learner is left out?”
The Ministry and SENS Department invite schools, families, businesses, and the wider community to participate in the month's activities and continue advocating for an education system where every learner has the opportunity to thrive.
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