Supporting Every Learner: MOESYI Shadow Support

The Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information (MOESYI) embraces the slogan, ‘Every child can learn, every child must learn.’ In a bid to ensure that all children get the chance to learn, grow, and feel confident in the classroom, the MOESYI provides shadows or caregivers who assist students requiring extra support.

Students who meet the requirements can access assistance from shadows/caregivers free of cost.

Shadow/Caregiver Support

Shadows/caregivers are individuals employed by the MOESYI to work alongside students with special educational needs. They offer individualised assistance that helps children to improve their focus, learning outcomes, behaviour, and social interaction.

Assessment and Access

Guardians/parents who wish their child/ward to benefit from the services of a shadow/caregiver must ensure that the child/ward is:

• Formally assessed and diagnosed with learning challenges by specialists such as psychologists, speech therapists, or paediatricians.
• Recommended to use the service by the Ministry’s Special Education Unit (SEU).
• Older than three years.

The following diagnoses qualify students to gain access to a shadow/caregiver:

• Deaf/Hard of Hearing
• Visual Impairment
• Physical Impairment
• Intellectual Disabilities
• Learning Disabilities
• Emotional/Behavioural Disorders
• Gifted and Talented
• Autism

Note: Shadows are generally recommended in early childhood and primary school years, however, support from a shadow/caregiver can be extended to the age of 21 years.

Get Involved

The GOJ encourages persons to enlist as shadows/caregivers. Eligible applicants must:

• Be recommended by a Justice of the Peace.
• Be registered with the SEU.
• Be over the age of 18.
• Have completed high school (teacher training is preferred but not mandatory).

For additional information, contact:

Ministry of Education, Skills, Youth and Information
The Special Education Unit
Caenwood Centre
37 Arnold Road, Kingston 5
Telephone: 876-967-2312
Email: specialedu@moey.gov.jm
Website: www.moey.gov.jm
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