Transitional Alternative Programme for Students (TAPS)

Parents, teachers, guidance counsellors or psychologists who identify maladaptive behaviours in a child such as: disrespecting authority; disruptive behaviour; excessive use of profanity; vulgarity; bullying; making threats; violent behaviours (fighting); breaking rules; consistent tardiness (lateness); non-excused absences; stealing; retaliating against others (using physical force); gang related activity; possession of weapons, drugs or alcohol; may need to seek Behavioural Therapy through the Transitional Alternative Programme for Students (TAPS).

TAPS provides intervention to help the child learn and develop healthy coping skills to deal with their behaviours and problems.

Eligibility

This service is available for students who have received a DSM-IV diagnosis for Oppositional Defiant and/or Conduct Disorder, for example: violent behaviour, disrespect for authority, bullying, etc.

Process

The Guidance Department completes and submits teacher and parent assessment forms along with the TAPS referral forms to Special Services Section.
The referral form must be completed and signed by a guidance counsellor, principal or another administrator.
Once the referral application is reviewed, the parent/guardian will be called in for an interview, at which time the parent will provide important information pertaining to the child’s behaviour at home, in the community and at school.
The Unit will conduct a parent interview.
The child will then be evaluated and diagnosed.
The student is eligible based on the required criteria (oppositional defiance or conduct disorder), and available space.
Once enrolled in the programme the child is evaluated after each semester.
Recommendation for the student to return to school depends on the child’s progress in the programme.

Application Form(s)

TAPS Referral Form from any one of the following referral sources: teachers, guidance counsellors, or psychologists.

Supporting Documents

Informed consent.
Authorization for release of information.
A copy of the child’s birth certificate/copy of passport.
Immunization record as well as a completed medical form.
National Insurance Number.
A copy of the previous report card.

Turn-around time

A child may stay in the TAPS programme from one to three semesters depending on the progress of the student. The child is evaluated after each semester.

Deadline

New referrals are submitted prior to the ending of each term. All completed forms must be submitted by the end of the first week of the new term.

Related Fee(s)

There are no fees associated with this service.

For more information please contact

Department: Ministry of Education
Address: Transitional Alternative Programme for Students , No. 231 Wulff Road opposite AID, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas
Tel: +1 242 393 0706
Email: tapsmoe@gmail.com
Opening Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday.
Department: Ministry of Education , Department of Education
House/Office: Special Services Section, Thompson Blvd, Nassau, New Providence, The Bahamas
Telephone: +1 242 502 8558
Telephone: +1 242 502 3776
Fax: (242) 323-1156

You may also visit or contact the Guidance Department in the various Public High Schools in New Providence and the Family Islands.

We use cookies to give you the best experience. Read Privacy Policy for more details.

Okay, Thanks

The Government

The Bahamas