Professional Development Institute

Course Description

This practical course equips parents, teachers, education professionals, and advocates with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate the special education diagnostic process and effectively support children with disabilities.

Participants will gain a clear understanding of educational needs assessments, Individualised Education Programme (IEP) development, documentation, and collaborative partnerships between families and schools. The course also explores legal rights, effective advocacy, communication strategies, and conflict resolution within special education settings.

Through interactive discussions, case studies, role-play, and practical assignments, participants will develop the confidence to organise educational records, write effective correspondence, develop measurable IEP goals, and advocate for appropriate educational services that promote positive outcomes for children with special educational needs.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Assess a child's educational needs by interpreting relevant medical, educational, and diagnostic information.
• Develop well-organised documentation systems and prepare effective written communications to support special education advocacy.
• Design SMART Individualised Education Programme (IEP) goals and evaluate progress using measurable performance indicators.
• Apply legal and procedural knowledge to advocate effectively for children with special educational needs.
• Evaluate common parent-school challenges and implement collaborative strategies to improve communication and decision-making.

Content

1. Understanding the Diagnostic Process
   Educational needs, disabilities, assessments, and multidisciplinary support.
2. Documentation and Effective Advocacy
   Organising records, maintaining paper trails, and professional correspondence.
3. Developing Effective Individualised Education Programmes (IEPs)
   Writing SMART goals, monitoring progress, and reviewing educational plans.
4. Legal Rights and Collaborative Partnerships
   Parent rights, educational legislation, advocacy, and ethical practice.
5. Communication, Conflict Resolution and Practical Application
   Managing meetings, resolving disputes, and strengthening home-school partnerships.

Why Take This Course?

• Gain practical skills for navigating the special education diagnostic and IEP processes with confidence.
• Learn evidence-based advocacy strategies to support children and collaborate effectively with schools.
• Develop professional competence in educational documentation, goal writing, and legal compliance.
• Strengthen your ability to build positive partnerships that improve educational planning and outcomes for learners with special educational needs.

Instructor

Victoria Elder, EdD/PhD, EdS, MA
Educator / Psychologist

Victoria Elder is an experienced educator, psychologist and music educator with over 40 years of experience in education. She has served as a teacher educator, curriculum officer and Curriculum Coordinator within the Ministry of Education, with expertise in psychology, educational development, music education and curriculum design.

She has also taught piano for over 20 years and has extensive experience directing choirs and training educators.

Course Description

Special Education and Nutrition is an introductory course designed to develop participants’ understanding of the unique nutritional needs of children and adults with special needs, disabilities and neurodivergence. The course combines foundational nutrition principles with practical strategies for meal planning, food safety, weight management and healthy eating across the life course.

Participants will explore how conditions such as autism, ADHD, cerebral palsy and Down syndrome, as well as disabilities associated with stroke, cancer and other non-communicable diseases, can affect nutritional needs and food choices.

The course is suitable for individuals seeking to broaden their knowledge of nutrition and its application to special education and disability support. Participants will develop practical skills in assessing nutritional needs, designing appropriate meal plans and identifying strategies to promote safe, balanced and nutritious eating.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Explain the principles of nutrition and the components of a healthy, balanced diet.
• Analyse factors that influence food choices, nutritional needs and healthy weight management across the life course.
• Design balanced and nutritious meal plans appropriate for children and adults with developmental disorders, disabilities and neurodivergence.
• Apply food safety, meal preparation and nutrition strategies appropriate for persons with special needs.
• Evaluate common nutritional challenges associated with autism, ADHD, cerebral palsy, Down syndrome and other disabilities, and identify appropriate strategies to address them.

Content

1. Foundations of Nutrition
   Basic nutrition principles, macronutrients, healthy diets and factors affecting nutrition.
2. Meal Planning, Food Labels & Food Safety
   Meal planning, Nutrition Facts Labels, food preparation and HACCP principles.
3. Nutrition Across the Life Course
   Nutritional needs from pregnancy and infancy through childhood, adulthood and older age.
4. Weight Management & Eating Behaviours
   Healthy weight management, physical activity, fad diets, eating disorders and food dysphoria.
5. Nutrition & Neurodivergence
   Nutritional considerations and practical strategies for autism, ADHD and other developmental conditions.
6. Nutrition, Disability & Assisted Feeding
   Nutritional challenges associated with cerebral palsy, Down syndrome, stroke, cancer, visual impairment and other disabilities, including assisted feeding devices.

Why Take This Course?

• Build practical nutrition knowledge – Develop a strong foundation in healthy eating, meal planning, food safety and nutritional requirements.
• Understand diverse nutritional needs – Explore how disabilities, developmental conditions and neurodivergence can influence nutrition and food choices.
• Apply knowledge in real-world settings – Develop practical meal plans, recipes and food preparation strategies suitable for persons with special needs.
• Support healthier outcomes – Gain strategies for promoting safe, balanced and nutritious eating among children and adults with disabilities.
• Develop practical communication skills – Create educational resources and present nutrition information in accessible and informative ways.

Instructor

Mrs Shandera Amoy Smith, MSc, BSc, LDN, CCDE, BCDE
Licensed Dietitian/Nutritionist / Ministry of Health and Wellness, The Bahamas

Shandera Amoy Smith is a Senior Dietitian, Licensed Nutritionist, educator, and wellness entrepreneur with over 20 years of experience in clinical nutrition, public health, and health promotion.

She currently serves with the Ministry of Health and Wellness and lectures at the University of The Bahamas and Southern College. She is the founder of Trinity Wellness Center and is dedicated to advancing community health and nutrition education.

Course Description

The Complete Songwriting Blueprint is a practical, six-week course designed for aspiring and experienced songwriters across genres who want to develop their songwriting skills and consistently turn creative ideas into complete songs.

Participants will be guided through the songwriting process, from developing an initial concept and writing compelling lyrics to creating memorable melodies, structuring songs, arranging musical ideas and refining finished work.

Through live workshops, hands-on exercises, song analysis, critique sessions and weekly assignments, participants will receive practical techniques and feedback that can be applied to their own creative practice.

The course also introduces co-writing, basic demo development, copyright, royalties and portfolio building, providing participants with a foundation for continued creative and professional development.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Develop original songwriting concepts using a structured and repeatable creative process.
• Write engaging lyrics that communicate clear messages and incorporate effective hooks, titles and choruses.
• Construct effective song structures and melodies that complement lyrical and musical ideas.
• Apply professional techniques to edit, refine and strengthen original songs across different genres.
• Create a completed original song and establish a repeatable songwriting process for future creative projects.

Content

1. The Foundation
   Developing the songwriter's mindset, creative habits, message and audience awareness.
2. Building Powerful Lyrics
   Crafting meaningful lyrics, hooks, titles and memorable choruses.
3. Song Structure & Melody
   Developing song structures, melodies, motifs and vocal phrasing.
4. Music & Arrangement
   Exploring chords, harmony, groove, emotion and genre-specific approaches.
5. Editing & Collaboration
   Refining lyrics and melodies and developing effective co-writing techniques.
6. Finishing & Moving Forward
   Creating a simple demo and exploring copyright, royalties and portfolio development.

Why Take This Course?

• Turn ideas into finished songs – Follow a structured process from initial inspiration to a completed original song.
• Develop practical songwriting skills – Strengthen your lyrics, melodies, song structures and arrangements through hands-on exercises.
• Receive professional feedback – Participate in live critique and song-development sessions designed to help you identify and improve areas of weakness.
• Build confidence and creative independence – Leave with a repeatable songwriting process, a completed original song and practical tools for continued songwriting development.
• Gain industry knowledge – Develop foundational knowledge of copyright, royalties, co-writing and songwriting portfolio development.

Instructor

Bj’orn Pierre
Recording Artist | Songwriter | Producer

Bj’orn Pierre is a Trinidad and Tobago-based music producer and recording artist with over 10 years of experience in music production and the creative music industry.

Through his work with Ten Strings Music Group, he has produced, released and promoted music for diverse audiences. His practical industry experience equips him to guide aspiring musicians and producers in developing their creative and professional skills.

Course Description

This course provides a practical introduction to music production and sound engineering for beginners with little or no prior experience. Participants will explore the fundamental principles of sound, audio equipment, recording techniques, and digital audio workstations, alongside essential skills in mixing, mastering, and live sound operation.

Ideal for aspiring producers, musicians, church media teams, and individuals interested in audio technology, the course combines studio-based learning with live sound applications. Emphasis is placed on hands-on practice, workflow development, and safe equipment use.

By the end of the course, participants will have the foundational skills needed to produce audio content and operate basic sound systems in both studio and live environments.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Explain fundamental concepts of sound and audio production.
• Operate basic audio equipment and digital audio workstations.
• Apply recording techniques for vocals and simple instruments.
• Use basic editing, mixing, and audio processing techniques.
• Set up and manage a basic live sound system safely and effectively.

Content

1. Introduction to Music Production and Audio Fundamentals
2. Studio Equipment and Digital Workflows
3. Editing and Music Production Techniques
4. Mixing, Mastering, and Audio Output
5. Live Sound and Professional Practice

Why Take This Course?

• Gain hands-on experience in music production and sound engineering fundamentals.
• Learn industry-relevant skills for studio recording and live sound environments.
• Build a foundation for careers in audio production, media, and live events.
• Develop practical skills applicable to music, church production, and digital media.

Instructor

Mr Judah Peters, BFA, Cert. Music Technology
CEO | Redemption Studios by Judah Peters Ltd

Judah Peters is a Music and Audio Production Instructor, multimedia producer, and audio systems consultant with over 15 years of experience in music training, worship leadership, and studio production.

As CEO of Redemption Studios by Judah Peters Ltd, he has produced more than 260 songs and specialises in music production, live sound, livestream audio, and ensemble training.

Judah is recognised for delivering practical, industry-focused instruction grounded in real-world studio and ministry environments.

Course Description

This foundational course introduces participants to the principles and practices of writing for orchestral instruments. It explores the capabilities, limitations, and expressive qualities of instruments across orchestral families, while examining how they combine to create balance, texture, and tonal colour.

Designed for individuals with intermediate music literacy, the course is ideal for aspiring composers, arrangers, and music educators seeking to deepen their understanding of orchestration.

Participants will engage with both technical and artistic aspects of composition, including score analysis, listening exercises, and practical writing tasks. By the end of the course, learners will be equipped to compose idiomatically for individual instruments and small ensembles, while developing their own creative voice through guided exploration of classical and contemporary works.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Analyse the ranges, registers, and technical capabilities of orchestral instruments.
• Apply principles of instrumentation to compose idiomatic parts for individual instruments.
• Design effective instrumental combinations to achieve desired tonal and timbral effects.
• Evaluate orchestral scores to identify compositional techniques and stylistic approaches.
• Produce basic orchestral arrangements using notation software and structured scoring methods.

Content

1. The Orchestra and Its Families
   Understanding instrument groups and roles.
2. Instrument Anatomy and Performance Techniques
   How instruments produce sound.
3. Articulation and Expression
   Bowing, tonguing, and phrasing techniques.
4. Ranges, Registers, and Orchestral Colour
   Balancing sound and texture.
5. Orchestration in Practice
   Score analysis, composition, and arranging.

Why Take This Course?

• Develop practical composition and orchestration skills through hands-on learning.
• Gain in-depth knowledge of instrumental capabilities and orchestral writing techniques.
• Build a portfolio of original arrangements and compositions.
• Strengthen pathways into music production, composition, and academic study.

Instructor

Mokale Koapeng, MMus, HDE
Instructor, University of the Southern Caribbean

Mokale Koapeng is a distinguished composer, conductor, music educator, and lecturer with over 40 years of experience in music education, choral composition, conducting, and African music studies.

He currently lectures at the University of the Southern Caribbean and has taught at leading institutions including the University of South Africa and the University of the Witwatersrand. His internationally recognised work spans composition, orchestration, music history, conducting, and music business.

Course Description

Making Spaces Inclusive for Persons with Special Needs provides a practical introduction to physical, sensory and cognitive accessibility in the built environment.

Designed for designers, planners, facilities personnel, educators and accessibility coordinators, the course explores universal design principles, accessibility standards and practical strategies for creating spaces that promote independence, safety and inclusion.

Participants will examine the needs of people with mobility, visual, auditory, cognitive and age-related needs, while considering the experiences of children and neurodivergent users.

Through case studies, group activities and on-site accessibility audits, participants will evaluate real-world environments, identify barriers and develop practical recommendations for improvement.

The course provides participants with the knowledge and tools to contribute meaningfully to more accessible buildings, campuses and public spaces.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Interpret key accessibility standards and universal design principles relevant to inclusive built environments.
• Evaluate buildings and outdoor spaces for accessibility, usability and compliance with applicable standards.
• Apply inclusive design strategies that address mobility, visual, auditory, cognitive and age-related needs.
• Conduct or contribute to accessibility and person-environment audits and use findings to identify areas for improvement.
• Analyse and critique real-world accessibility challenges and develop practical recommendations or conceptual improvement plans.

Content

1. Foundations of Accessibility & Universal Design
   Accessibility principles, legal frameworks, universal design and diverse user needs.
2. Mobility & Physical Accessibility
   Wheelchair access, ramps, walkways, entrances, parking, lifts, restrooms and internal circulation.
3. Sensory & Cognitive Accessibility
   Designing for people who are blind or have low vision, people who are deaf or hard of hearing, and neurodivergent users.
4. Age-Inclusive & Child-Friendly Design
   Addressing the accessibility, safety and usability needs of older adults, children and young people.
5. Accessibility Auditing & Real-World Application
   Conducting site audits, analysing findings and developing practical accessibility improvement proposals.

Why Take This Course?

• Develop practical accessibility expertise – Gain the knowledge to identify and address physical, sensory and cognitive barriers in the built environment.
• Learn through real-world application – Participate in on-site visits and accessibility audits that connect theory with actual buildings and spaces.
• Strengthen inclusive design practice – Understand how universal design can support independence, safety and participation for diverse users.
• Support organisational accessibility goals – Develop practical recommendations that can inform building improvements, planning and facilities management.
• Build cross-disciplinary awareness – Gain insights relevant to design, education, facilities management, planning and accessibility coordination.

Course Description

The course in Intelligence Analysis is a 12-week advanced programme designed to equip professionals with the analytical skills and methodologies required to operate effectively in complex security and investigative environments.

Developed in response to evolving global and regional threats, including organised crime, cyber risks, and geopolitical instability, this course provides a structured, practice-oriented approach to intelligence production.

Designed for professionals in law enforcement, national security, corporate security, and financial services, the programme blends academic rigour with real-world application.

Participants will learn to apply the Intelligence Cycle, utilise structured analytic techniques, and produce clear, actionable intelligence to support strategic and operational decision-making.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this course, participants will be able to:

• Analyse and apply the Intelligence Cycle within investigative and organisational contexts.
• Utilise structured frameworks such as 5W+H to define and refine intelligence problems.
• Differentiate between strategic and tactical intelligence and apply appropriate methodologies.
• Apply Structured Analytic Techniques (SATs) to support evidence-based analysis.
• Produce clear, concise, and actionable intelligence reports for decision-makers.

Content

1. Introduction to Intelligence Analysis
2. The Intelligence Cycle
3. The 5W+H Framework
4. Collation Discipline
5. Strategic & Tactical Intelligence Analysis
6. SMART System of Planning
7. Structured Analytic Techniques
8. Capstone Simulation
9. Developing Human Contacts
10. Report Writing

Why Take This Course?

• Develop advanced, practical intelligence analysis skills applicable to real-world scenarios.
• Gain expertise in globally recognised analytic frameworks and structured methodologies.
• Enhance career opportunities in national security, law enforcement, and corporate intelligence.
• Build the capacity to support high-level decision-making in complex operational environments.

Instructor

Mr Brent Clement, MSc
Intelligence Practitioner and Security Analyst

Mr Clement is a Strategic Intelligence Executive and Digital Forensics Expert with nearly 30 years of experience in national security, intelligence analysis, and counterterrorism.

A Certified INTERPOL Instructor and experienced lecturer, he specialises in intelligence fusion, cybercrime investigations, and strategic investigative frameworks.

He has worked extensively with international agencies and is recognised for developing innovative intelligence-led training models that bridge global best practices with regional security needs.