Faaida James - Special Needs Education Officer, Depertment of Education Turks and Caicos

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Work Background

Department of Special Education Needs Services Turks and CaicosEducation Officer -Special Needs Education

Nov. 2023DownTown ProvidencialesKey Responsibilities: Instructional Leadership: - Supervised and evaluated Special Education staff in collaboration with school principals. - Assessed the needs of students with disabilities and developed intervention plans. - Ensured alignment of Special Education curriculum with general education standards. - Coordinated assessments and supported teachers with instructional strategies for SEN students. - Participated in the recruitment, screening, and professional development of SEN staff. - Conducted staff meetings and contributed to the establishment of school goals and objectives. Program and Policy Management: • Participated in the drafting and implementation of Special Education Needs policies. - Developed and disseminated policy guidelines for SEN service delivery across schools. - Provided budgetary recommendations to support SEN programming. - Conducted training sessions for parents and educators on developments in SEN. Collaboration and Compliance: • Liaised with school supervisors and multi-agency partners on SEN-related issues and initiatives. - Represented the Department in national and international forums on SEN matters. - Monitored and reported on compliance with SEN regulations and national policies. - Stayed current with global trends and best practices through professional development and conferences. Impact and Accountability: - Held nationwide responsibility for the direction and coordination of SEN programs in public schools. - Ensured effective implementation of SEN services and support systems.

Trinidad and Tobago Ministry of EducationSenior Special Education Instructor

Oct. 2019 - Oct. 2023St Vincent Street Port of Spain Trinidad and Tobago- Prepared, interpreted, and disseminated findings from learning environment assessments to guide school-wide improvements. - Designed and developed targeted intervention strategies for school personnel based on identified needs. - Monitored implementation of intervention plans and provided direct support to teachers and administrators for effective delivery. - Participated in case conferencing sessions with multi-disciplinary teams to coordinate individualized student support. - Collaborated with Special Education Teachers on the implementation and revision of Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). - Conducted comprehensive needs assessments for students, parents, and teachers to inform program design and delivery. - Planned and facilitated parent education workshops, seminars, and school-based training sessions in partnership with support staff. - Maintained and updated a confidential database of student referrals and intervention histories. - Provided ongoing technical assistance to School-Based Intervention Teams to strengthen inclusive education practices.

Extra Ordinary Minds Ashley's Learning CenterLead Special Education Teacher

Sep. 2017 - Sep. 2019Ariapita Avenue Port of Spain Trinidad and TobagoProfessional Skills & Competencies Assessment & Evaluation: Proficient in conducting learning environment assessments, needs assessments for students, parents, and teachers, and ongoing student performance evaluations using formal and informal methods. Experienced in documenting student progress and maintaining referral databases. Individualized Planning & Intervention: Skilled in developing and implementing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) in collaboration with interdisciplinary teams. Designed and evaluated intervention strategies and lesson plans tailored to student needs, including reading programs for struggling readers. Collaboration & Team Engagement: Extensive experience working with multidisciplinary teams (Child Psychologists, Speech and Occupational Therapists, ABA specialists) to evaluate progress and design support plans. Maintained weekly professional collaboration with the Center for Children with Special Needs in Connecticut, USA. Instructional Design & Delivery: Competent in planning, implementing, and assessing differentiated instructional strategies for diverse learners. Delivered targeted after-school tuition and in-class support aligned with students' strengths and learning goals. Professional Development & Training: Led and participated in school-based training sessions, workshops, and parent seminars. Provided technical assistance to School-Based Intervention Teams and supported capacity building for school personnel. Stakeholder Communication & Support: Experienced in working closely with parents, school proprietors, and administrators to support student development. Strong communicator with a commitment to fostering collaborative partnerships across educational settings.

Eshe's Learning CentreSpecial Education Teacher II

Sep. 2010 - Sep. 2017Ariapita Avenue Port of Spain Trinidad and TobagoFostered student collaboration and peer learning through structured group projects, promoting teamwork and social development. Strengthened oral language development and critical thinking by facilitating guided literary discussions. Enhanced students’ cultural awareness and global understanding by incorporating diverse children's literature from various world cultures. Partnered with parents to support students’ academic growth and social-emotional development both at school and home. Conducted regular testing and weekly assessments to identify student strengths and address areas of need. Delivered targeted after-school remedial reading classes to support struggling readers. Designed and implemented hands-on projects in agriculture and science for examination-level classes, integrating experiential learning with curriculum objectives.

UWI Open CampusSchool Administrator

Sep. 2008 - Aug. 2010Mucurapo Road St James and Gordon Street St AugustineDesigned and outfitted Alpha East Early Childhood Care and Education (ECCE) Centre, ensuring alignment with national early learning standards and best practices in early childhood development. Collaborated with interdisciplinary team members to evaluate children's developmental progress and design appropriate learning plans. Addressed behavioral and learning concerns in partnership with parents and daycare management to promote inclusive learning environments. Supervised and mentored three student teachers, providing regular feedback and professional support. Fostered reasoning and problem-solving through developmentally appropriate games and active exploration. Coordinated and led six parent-teacher conferences annually to support home–school collaboration and child success.

Institute of Health and FitnessAssistant Lecturer – Nursery & Childcare

Sep. 2006 - Jul. 2007Tunapuna-Piarco, Trinidad and TobagoDelivered instructional sessions on foundational theories and practices of nursery and childcare to early childhood education students. Designed and facilitated lectures on child development, health and safety, caregiving routines, and learning through play. Integrated real-world experience and case examples to bridge theory and practice for future child care professionals.

CREDO Foundation for JusticeEducation Supervisor

Aug. 2002 - Aug. 2008Port of Spain, Trinidad and TobagoProvided targeted academic intervention and learning support for children with diverse and unique educational needs. Advocated for students facing academic, social, emotional, and behavioral challenges to ensure equitable access to learning opportunities. Assessed instructional plans and classroom delivery to improve teaching effectiveness and adapt curriculum content to meet individual student needs. Supported students with a range of exceptionalities, including learning disabilities, behavioral disorders, visual impairments, autism spectrum disorder, and those identified as gifted and talented.

LYNC Hall ParishHead Teacher

Sep. 2001 - Jul. 2002Church Street Carenage Trinidad and TobagoProvided instructional leadership and day-to-day management of the early childhood learning program within a faith-based setting. Supervised and supported a team of teaching staff to ensure delivery of high-quality, age-appropriate instruction and classroom care. Planned and implemented the academic curriculum, integrating literacy, numeracy, moral values, and creative development activities. Conducted teacher observations, lesson reviews, and provided coaching to improve instructional practices. Fostered strong relationships with parents and the parish community, promoting open communication and involvement in school activities. Maintained student records, managed classroom resources, and ensured adherence to child safety and educational standards.

LYNC Hall ParishEarly Childhood Educator

Sep. 1999 - Jul. 2001Church Street Carenage Trinidad and TobagoProvided nurturing care and foundational instruction to children aged 3–5 years within a faith-based early learning environment. Designed and delivered age-appropriate lessons focusing on language development, early numeracy, creative arts, and moral education. Fostered social-emotional development through structured play, storytelling, and group activities that encouraged sharing, empathy, and cooperation. Supported children’s physical development through fine and gross motor activities integrated into daily routines. Maintained a safe, inclusive, and stimulating classroom environment in alignment with early childhood care and education standards. Communicated regularly with parents on student progress and collaborated with staff to support children’s individual learning needs.

Precious Gems Pre-SchoolProprietor / Early Childhood Educator

Sep. 1985 - Jul. 1995Coconut Drive Morvant Trinidad and TobagoFounded and managed all aspects of a privately owned preschool, delivering high-quality early childhood education for children aged 2–5. Designed the school’s curriculum, integrating foundational literacy, numeracy, creative play, and moral development. Oversaw daily operations, including enrollment, staffing, budgeting, and communication with parents and community members. Created a safe, inclusive, and stimulating learning environment aligned with early childhood development best practices. Led classroom instruction and supported children’s cognitive, social-emotional, and physical development through age-appropriate activities. Supervised and trained assistant educators to ensure consistent teaching quality and child care practices. Built lasting partnerships with families, offering regular progress updates, and encouraging active parent involvement in the school community.