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.

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.

1. The Guidance Department completes and submits teacher and parent assessment forms along with the TAPS referral forms to Special Services Section.
2. The referral form must be completed and signed by a guidance counsellor, principal or another administrator.
3. 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.
4. The Unit will conduct a parent interview.
5. The child will then be evaluated and diagnosed.
6. The student is eligible based on the required criteria (oppositional defiance or conduct disorder), and available space.   
7. Once enrolled in the programme the child is evaluated after each semester.
8. Recommendation for the student to return to school depends on the child’s progress in the programme.

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

• 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.

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.
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.

There are no fees associated with this service.

Ministry of Education
Transitional Alternative Programme for Students
No. 231 Wulff Road opposite AID
Nassau
New Providence
The Bahamas
Tel. (242) 393-0706
Email: tapsmoe@gmail.com 
Opening Hours: 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, Monday to Friday.

Ministry of Education
Department of Education
Special Services Section
Thompson Blvd
Nassau
New Providence
The Bahamas
Tel. (242) 502-3776/502-8558
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.