The programme is organised in six modules, each comprising 30 professional development hours on a virtual learning platform for three weeks, with classes during the fourth week devoted to formal assessment. It provides participants with a clear understanding of the dimensions of special education, and helps participants identify and develop their own skills for their own areas of responsibilities as they relate to and complement the responsibilities of others. The programme is suitable for early and mid-career Lawyers, Officers of Family Court, Juvenile Detention Officers, Social Workers, Guidance Counsellors, School Psychologists, School Principals and Education Policy and Planning Officers who interact with, support and/or act on behalf of children and adolescents.[1]
This programme aims to equip professionals who advocate for, promote and provide professional services for the right to learn for children and adolescent with special needs. It is an omnibus programme that recognises that meeting the learning needs of children and adolescents requires inputs from multiple sectors/disciplines and several professionals.
On completion of the programme, successful participants will have a clear understanding of the constitutional and legislative provisions for special education and persons with special learning needs; the foundation disciplines of special education; and internationally recognised approaches to design, develop and deliver special education. Participants will also have an appreciation for the specific attitudes and positive measures that are foundational to special education.
An undergraduate degree in a relevant discipline.
At least 80% attendance and corresponding participation in class activities, completion of 80% of assignments, and satisfactory completion of formal assessments for each of the six modules.
The programme has five modules as follows:
Foundation Modules:
Core Modules:
Concentration Modules:
The programme will run for six months, meeting M, T, Th 17:00 to 20:00 in a virtual classroom.
Participants who successfully complete the programme will earn a micro-credential pegged at the CARICOM Qualifications Framework Level 8, and will be issued with a Certificate from the University of the Southern Caribbean indicating the programme title, CQF level and the number of professional development hours and the overall letter grade. They will also be issued with a transcript showing the modules completed and the number of professional development hours for each module and the letter grade for each module.
[1] A Special Education for Practising Teachers, weighted towards teaching methodologies, is offered on demand to Ministries and School Boards desirous of upskilling their classroom and cluster lead teachers. An Advanced programme with additional specialised areas for participants successfully completing this programme is under development for 2025.
To register for a PDI course:
Option One - Pay via Credit Card (TTD)
Option Two – Pay by Online Transfer/Bank Deposit (TTD)
Option Three - Pay via International Wire Transfer (USD)
Option Four - Pay via Aeorion
Click the button below to register for PDI courses:
