Established in 2016, the Department of Early Childhood, Primary, Inclusive and Special Needs Education (DECPISNE) is one of the two academic departments within the School of Education at the State University of Zanzibar (SUZA). The department is dedicated to advancing teacher education and promoting inclusive, equitable, and quality learning experiences for all learners.

As of 2025, the department offers two diploma-level academic programs: the Diploma in Early Childhood Education (DECE) and the Diploma in Inclusive and Special Needs Education (DISNE). The DECE program is designed to prepare professional teachers equipped to effectively teach children at the pre-primary and lower primary levels. Meanwhile, the DISNE program provides specialized training for teachers to competently support diverse learners, including those with special educational needs and disabilities. Ongoing efforts are in place to upgrade these diploma programs to bachelor's degree level, in alignment with the national agenda of strengthening the quality and professionalization of the education workforce.

Beyond academic programs, DECPISNE plays a pivotal role in delivering continuous professional development (CPD) on inclusive pedagogies to educators within SUZA and other institutions. The department also takes the lead in supporting the inclusion of students with special needs across the university. Support services include braille transcription and the provision of braille machines for students with visual impairments, as well as sign language interpretation for students with hearing impairments.

Through its programs and services, the department continues to champion inclusive education and build a cadre of teachers capable of nurturing diverse learners in Zanzibar and beyond.