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School Profile The Edgehill School of Special Education is situated in the beautiful parish of St Ann, Jamaica. We are a cluster of schools with the main school located in St. Ann’s Bay on Edgehill Road. The school operates three satellites: Port Maria, Ocho Rios (housed at the Ocho Rios High School), and Brown’s Town (housed at St. Christopher’s School for the Deaf). The main school is located approximately 11 km east of the resort town of Ocho Rios. This special school is nestled beneath lush greenery atop a hill that overlooks the Caribbean Sea. The school caters to students between the ages of 6 and 21 years with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities at moderate to severe levels. These disabilities include Downs Syndrome, Autism, Global Developmental Disorder, among others. We aim to equip students with social and life skills to enable them to become contributing citizens and function independently or as close to independently as possible. History The School of Hope was founded in 1956 and is the largest and oldest institution of its kind in Jamaica; the Edgehill School of Special Education was one of thirty (30) branches of the School of Hope, which provides educational services for mentally challenged children aged 6-21 years of age. The Edgehill School of Special Education is a joint venture between the Ministry of Education and The Jamaica Association on Intellectual Disabilities (JAID) (formally The Jamaica Association on Mental Retardation. Mr. and Mrs. Edmond, an English couple, while on a contract in Jamaica, gave birth to a child with Down syndrome. In 1975, Nancy Edmond, the young mother, made contact with the Association on Mental Retardation and requested to set up service for children with Special Needs in the parish of St Ann. The school started with five students in 1976 and began in a house at Buckfield, Ocho Rios, then moved to the United Church Hall. The Edgehill School of Special Education (formerly Sunshine School of Hope) had a nomadic existence as it kept moving from place to place. It was locked out of the Church Hall in 1982, as reported in the Star (Local Paper) on the 16th of April 1982. It was then moved to other locations such as the family planning clinic complex in St Ann’s Bay, then to an industrial Trade Centre opposite the Marcus Garvey Technical High School. It was in 1980 that the Rotary Club of Ocho Rios, headed by Mr. Livingston Green and the notable Rotarians, took the School as a project. Collective and sustained advocacy resulted in a site of approximately four (4) acres of land donated by the Government on the compound of Marcus Garvey Secondary School ( Now Marcus Garvey Technical High School) on which the school was built. Ground was broken in 1995. The new school was officially handed over on November 27, 1997
Mission Statement To provide the appropriate educational learning experience to each child with intellectual disabilities through programmes that will enhance their social, emotional and academic capacities, so that they can maximize their potential with highly motivated staff, dedicated parents and a network of resource persons and other stake holder, in a significantly inspiring environment that promote equity and efficiency, so that they can become responsible citizens and participate in the life of the community . Vision Statement To be recognized as the premier special education institution in the Caribbean that provides for the education and training requirements of children and youth with intellectual disabilities. School’s motto: Learning for Life School’s Mantra: “YES WE CAN” Positive Behavioural Purpose Statement: At the Edgehill School of Special Education, we are rising stars; we are smart, talented, able, respectful and soaring to higher heights. Core Value: S.T.A.R.S. S–Smart T–Talented A–Able R–Respectful S–Soaring School Philosophy We believe every child can learn and succeed in their own way. Our philosophy includes: • Individualized instruction • Visual, sensory, and hands-on learning • Predictable routines with flexibility for student needs • Strong partnerships with families
MESSAGE FROM THE CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD PTA PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE THE PRINCIPAL’S MESSAGE Welcome to the Edgehill School of Special Education family! We sincerely thank our parents for choosing our school and trusting us with the education and development of your children. We know that their well-being and holistic development are as much a priority for you as for us. We are not only an institution for their education but one that will develop their independence, self-determination, and social skills. As such, we look forward to a collaborative partnership that will yield great progress for your child. We are proud to have an excellent team of teachers and support staff who work each year assiduously to improve the skills of our students through our programmes, parent-teacher partnerships and community involvement. To our students: believe in yourselves, embrace every opportunity to learn, and always strive to do your very best. Every achievement, big or small, is worth celebrating. Together, we can create a caring and supportive environment where every student can grow, succeed, and shine. Principal Tabitha Chambers
STAFF Principal Mrs. Tabitha Chambers Vice Principal Mrs. Charmaine Palmer Lee Guidance Counsellor Mr. Dain Hodgson Clerical Staff Mr. Darion Clarke (Bursar) Ms. Katuraha McGowan (Secretary) TEACHERS Mrs. Y. Bennett Notice Ms. D. Grizzle (Human Ecology) Mr. M. Roberts Ms. S. Bishop (Agriculture) Ms. S. Heath Ms. T. Lawrence Mrs. A. Godfrey Mrs. P. Baker Cheese Ms. L. Riley Breana Hawthorne Mrs. S. Brown Sewell Natasha Davidson Ms. L. Wright Melisha McGregor Mrs. D. Paige Palmer Prudence Brown TEACHER ASSISTANTS and Shadows Mrs. C. Hodgson Ms. M. Fairclough Mrs. K. Dilworth Ms. D. Barnaby Ms. S. Bennett Mr. D Mckenzie Ms. M. Bailey Ms. M. Williams Ms. S. Francis Ms. Masters Ms. Y. Rambartha Mrs. J. Barnes Grandison Mrs. K. Pitamba Mrs. Mckoy Ms. Green Ms. S Fearon Ms. T. Brown Ms. J. Gray COOKS Mr. C. Dilworth Ms. V. Cammock Ms. L Daley Ms. K. Gayle SUPPORT STAFF Mr. R. Warren Mr. W. McKenzie Mr. E. Francis Ms. D. Perkins Ms. L. Lewis Ms. A. Anderson Ms. S. Stewart SCHOOL RULES AND SANCTIONS Rules Sanctions For Breaking Rules Fights: Students must not engage in fighting, physical aggression, or threatening behaviour on school premises or during school activities. Warning and counselling for minor incidents. Parent/guardian contacted. Suspension or other disciplinary action for serious or repeated offences. Weapons: Students must not bring, possess, use, or threaten others with weapons or dangerous objects on school premises. Immediate confiscation and notification of parent/guardian. Suspension or expulsion may apply. Serious cases may be referred to the relevant authorities. Uniform: Students must wear the prescribed school uniform correctly, cleanly, and appropriately at all times. Warning and correction of the uniform. Parent/guardian notification for repeated violations. Detention or other appropriate disciplinary action may follow
Grooming: Students must maintain appropriate personal hygiene and comply with the school's standards for hair, nails, and general appearance. Reminder and opportunity to correct the violation. Parent/guardian may be contacted for repeated violations, followed by appropriate disciplinary action. Punctuality: Students must arrive at school and attend classes on time. Verbal warning and recording of lateness. Counselling and parent/guardian notification for repeated lateness. Detention or other appropriate action may be taken. Stealing: Students must not steal, take, conceal, or use another person's property without permission. Investigation and return/restitution of property. Parent/guardian contacted. Suspension or other serious disciplinary action may be imposed. Accidents: Students must immediately report accidents, injuries, hazards, or unsafe situations to a teacher or authorized staff member Genuine accidents should not result in punishment. Deliberately failing to report an incident or acting recklessly may result in counselling or disciplinary action. Rules Sanctions For Breaking Rules Destruction of Property: Students must not deliberately damage school property or the property of students, teachers, or other persons. Student may be required to repair or replace damaged property. Parent/guardian contacted. Suspension or other disciplinary action may apply. Visitors: Visitors must report to the designated office/reception area, identify themselves, and receive permission before entering student areas. Students or parents should not bring unauthorized visitors onto school premises. Unauthorized visitors may be removed. Student receives a warning and parent/guardian notification. Repeated or serious violations may result in further disciplinary action. Littering: Students must place all rubbish in designated bins and help maintain a clean school environment. Student may be required to clean the affected area. Warning for a first offence and school/community service or other disciplinary action for repeated offences. Removal Of Students During Sessions: Students must not leave classes or the school compound during sessions without permission from an authorized staff member. Parents/guardians must follow the school's authorized sign-out procedure. Student returned to class or a supervised area. Warning and parent/guardian notification. Repeated unauthorized leaving or removal may result in disciplinary action. Use of Cell Phones and Digital Devices: Students may use telephones/mobile phones during school hours only with permission and for approved purposes. Phones should not be used during lessons unless authorized for educational purposes. Warning and/or temporary confiscation according to school policy. Parent/guardian notification for repeated misuse. More serious action may apply for bullying, cheating, unauthorized recording, or other misconduct. Administering Medication: Students must not administer medication to themselves or other students. Medication must be handled according to the school's approved medical procedures. Medication secured and appropriate staff notified. Parent/guardian contacted. Counselling or disciplinary action may apply where medication is deliberately distributed or administered without authorization. Prolonged absence: It is the duty of parents to inform the school of reasons for prolonged absence. Absence due to medical issues require documentation from the students physician. Parents who refuse to inform school of reason for absence may face deregistration for periods amounting to more than 30 consecutive days. These absences will be reported to the relevant entities for intervention.
Daily Routine (Visual & Structured) Multi-grade classes benefit from consistency. Picture schedules, timers, and calming transitions are used daily. Time Activity 8.00 am – 8:20 am Arrival, Sensory Settling / Breakfast 8.20am - 8.50am Devotion , Morning Circle: Calendar, Weather, Social Skills 8.50am – 10: 20 Literacy & Communication (individual/group work) 10.20am- 10.35am Snack Break & Movement 10.35am- 11:05am Numeracy / Functional Math 11:05am -11.35am- Life Skills / Self-Care Practice 11.35am – 12:20am Lunch & Break 12:20pm - 1:24 pm IIP/ Vocational Skills / Creative Expression 1:24 pm – 2:15 pm Story Time / Review / Quiet Time 2:15 pm – 2:30pm Dismissal Preparation Note: Activities are modified per developmental levels and sensory needs. Curriculum and Programmes Our adapted curriculum focuses on: • Functional Academics (reading, basic math, money management, time management) • Social & Emotional Skills (adhering to societal norms, turn-taking, requesting, self-expression, etc.) • Sensory Integration & Movement Breaks • Life Skills (grooming and hygiene, meal prep, managing the household) • Vocational Skills (gardening/ farming, sewing, meal preparation, carpentry, time management, etc. for ages 14+) • Art, Music & Dance Therapy • Communication Skills (Augmentative and Alternative Communication; PECS picture exchange system, Sign Language) • Handcraft • Weaving • Community Service • Work experience immersion Support & Therapy Services We work collaboratively with on-site staff, parents, other government agencies and the Jamaica Association on Intellectual Disabilities to provide access to the following services: • Assessment and Placement (as needed) • Behaviour Therapy (positive reinforcement plans) • 1:1 or small group instruction • Visual supports & sensory-friendly classroom • PATH
• Jamaica Council on Persons with Disabilities ( JCPD) • MOH - Dental programme and Child Guidance Clinic Uniform and Dress Code for Students Grade 7 – 9 Girls Uniform Girls Uniform Pattern grades 10-11
Boys Uniform Pattern grades 7-11 Khaki pants and shirt Parents’ Dress Code Policy At Edgehill School or Special Education, we believe that the school environment should reflect respect, discipline, and positive values. Parents and guardians are partners in setting examples for students. As such, we kindly ask all parents/guardians to observe the following dress code whenever visiting the school compound, attending meetings, or accompanying students on school-related activities. General Guidelines 1. Modesty – Clothing should be modest, neat, and appropriate for a school environment. 2. Respectful Presentation – Parents should dress in a manner that reflects respect for self, students, staff, and the wider community. 3. Role Modelling – Remember that children emulate adults; your attire should set a positive example. Unacceptable Attire Parents/Guardians are asked not to wear the following on the school compound: • Revealing clothing (e.g., very short shorts, micro-mini skirts, low-cut tops, crop tops, see-through clothing). • Strapless blouses/dresses without a cover-up. • Pajamas, bedroom slippers, or nightwear. • Clothing with offensive, violent, or obscene graphics/words. • Overly torn/ripped jeans that expose private areas. • Sagging pants or pants worn below the waist. • Bathing suits, beachwear, or inappropriate sportswear. Footwear • Shoes, sandals, or slippers should be neat and appropriate. • Bedroom slippers and unkempt footwear are not permitted. Special Events
For graduations, award ceremonies, and official functions, parents are encouraged to wear semi-formal or business casual attire. Enforcement • Parents who do not adhere to the dress code may be politely reminded by staff/security and asked to adjust or return dressed appropriately. • Consistent disregard for the dress code may affect participation in certain school activities. TIPS FOR PARENTS OF STUDENTS WITH INTELLECTUAL DISABILITY AND DEVELOPMENTAL DELAYS • Speak with your child’s doctor about possible medical challenges related to your child’s disability. • Seek Special Education services for your child. • Encourage your child to do chores as much as possible. • Allow them to take care of their own hygiene needs. • Be involved with school as much as possible; this will increase your child’s ability to experience success. • Teach your children to manage money as you would your other children. • Expose children to as many experiences outside of school as possible; take them to the park, church, in the community, etc. • Teach them that their body is private and should not be exploited. • Work on your child’s strengths; they can succeed with practice. • Never ‘spoil’ a child because he/she has a disability… discipline, structure and involvement are key! School Information Edgehill School of Special Education Main School: St. Ann’s Bay Address: PO. Box 197 St. Ann’s Bay Email: edgehillspecialedu@yahoo.com Phone: 876 972 9761 Port Maria Phone:876 994 9373 Email: portmaria1@yahoo.com Brown’s Town Phone: 917 6633 Email: edgehillbtown@gmail.com Hours: 8:20 a.m. – 2:30 p.m.
Ocho Rios High School; Milford Road (Shift System hours and routine vary)