NAME OF FEATURE | THE GLEANER | SUNDAY, MAY 25, 2025 12 SAM SHARPE TEACHERS’ COLLEGE 50TH ANNIVERSARY FEATURE IN JUST five years, the Diagnostic and Early Intervention Centre at Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College has become a beacon of hope for families across Western Jamaica. Since opening its doors, the centre has completed over 1,000 psychoeducational assessments, with consistent annual growth in the number of children served. Staffed by a dedicated multidisciplinary team, the Centre provides in-depth assessments that identify developmental challenges and learning deficits or superior abilities in children. These assessments play a critical role in guiding access to accommodations for examinations and the classroom, referrals for therapy, and appropriate school placement. In addition to providing these services at the centre, the team also conducts assessments in schools, ensuring greater accessibility for students and families. The Centre also offers an academic programme delivering short-term, full-time intervention in literacy and numeracy. More than 80% of students who participate show measurable improvements, enabling them to return to their regular schools with greater confidence and competence. Beyond assessment and intervention, the Centre has expanded its impact through community outreach. Its disability awareness webinars have reached hundreds of parents and educators island wide, complemented by teacher workshops, and a range of family-centred care initiatives. These include annual back-to-school medicals, care package distributions, and pampering sessions for families of children with special needs, in partnership with foundations and charitable organisations. As a teacher training institution, the college also uses the Centre as a practicum site, having hosted close to 50 interns from fields such as special education, psychology, and social work. These future professionals gain hands-on experience in assessment, intervention, and collaborative care. Parents consistently express gratitude for the clear communication of assessment results and appreciate the Centre’s commitment to service, compassion, and excellence. As the Centre celebrates this milestone, it remains focused on expanding its reach and deepening its impact across Jamaica. JOSHICA LAWRENCEBROWN Centre Manager (Acting) Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College DIAGNOSTIC CENTRE Sam Sharpe Teachers’ College Diagnostic Centre Marks Five Years: A Milestone in Special Education Staffed by a dedicated multidisciplinary team, the Centre provides in-depth assessments that identify developmental challenges and learning deficits or superior abilities in children. These assessments play a critical role in guiding access to accommodations for examinations and the classroom, referrals for therapy, and appropriate school placement.
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy MTUzNTI=