A Head Start in Life

The year 2022 has been declared the year of Early Childhood Development by Governor-General, His Excellency the Most Hon. Sir Patrick Allen. A major part of this focus is raising awareness about the importance of early-childhood development and making the necessary improvements to the sector. The Ministry of Education and Youth (MOEY) and the Early Childhood Commission (ECC) will spearhead those activities and initiatives.

Early Childhood Initiatives

Creation of Inclusive Schools

The Government of Jamaica (GOJ) intends to create more inclusive infant schools throughout 2022, following the model of the Savanna-la-Mar Inclusive Infant Academy. The Academy was established in 2018 and will also be expanded within the year. Inclusive schools cater to both typical learners and special needs students.

Legislative Reviews

Within the year, MOEY will review existing early-childhood education legislation to ensure that they are in the best interest of young children. These documents, which include the Early Childhood Commission Act of 2003, and the Early Childhood Act and Regulations of 2005, will also be amended as necessary.

Registration of Early Childhood Institutions

ECC will ensure that all early-childhood institutions (ECIs) are registered and meet the standards outlined by the GOJ. This is in accordance with the Early Childhood Act of 2005 and will help to ensure that children receive the best education possible.

To register, ECI operators may visit the ECC’s online portal. The website provides instructions and lists the documents required for registration. Registration may also be done in person at any of ECC’s offices islandwide.

Parents of infants may also access support through ECC’s website and various community activities that the agency hosts.

For additional information, contact:
Ministry of Education and Youth
2-4 National Heroes Circle
Kingston 4
Tel: 876-922-1400-9
Fax: 876-948-9132
Email: customerservice@moey.gov.jm
Website: www.moey.gov.jm
Social Media: Facebook: @moeyijamaica, Twitter: moeyjamaica, YouTube: @moe jamaica

Early Childhood Commission
Head Office
Shop 44-49 Kingston Mall
8-10 Ocean Boulevard
Kingston
Tel: 876-922-6938, 876-948-9405, 876-967-7611
Fax: 876-922-9295
Email: communications@ecc.gov.jm
Website: https://ecc.gov.jm
Social Media: Facebook: @www.ecc.gov.jm, Twitter: @eccja, Instagram: @earlychildhoodcommission, YouTube: @The Early Childhood Commission Jamaica