Dear Editor,

Every academic year Jamaica grapples with the reduction of teachers, but what we don’t mention is the struggles that special needs children and their parents face.

As it stands, several parishes do not have a special education school, whether it be public or private. Parents must travel far and wide to access the best education for their children. The Ministry of Education, though receiving a large portion of the national budget, needs additional funds to sufficiently provide for the parishes that don’t have the facilities and teachers to accommodate students with special education needs.

In fact, I must commend the Ministry of Education for its monetary support to parents who are financially challenged in providing their special needs children with the education they crave. In addition, I must also commend the Jamaica Social Investment Fund for its continuous support of special education.

In May 2024, Jamaica Information Service published an article that said Jamaica Social Investment Fund had invested $34 million in the educational development of special needs children. This investment is paramount, and more is needed.

In fact, I recommend increasing the Ministry of Education budget so that at least three special education facilities are in each parish. This will result in children being properly educated as well as ease the financial strain on parents.

Yearly seminars should also be conducted to introduce new research and keep educators abreast of best practices for treating with children who require special education.

Ulanta Thomas

Special education teacher in training

ulanta.thomas7@gmail.com