Spotlight On Early Childhood Development This Year
By: February 16, 2022 ,The Full Story
The Early Childhood Commission (ECC) is turning national focus on early-childhood education as Jamaica marks 2022 as the Year of Early Childhood Development.
Chairperson of the Regulation and Certification Committee of the ECC Board, David Salmon, told JIS in an interview that the designation provides the opportunity to raise awareness about the importance of early-child development, and increase emphasis on the sector to make the necessary improvements.
“The findings of the [Jamaica Education Transformation Commission] report has shown existing gaps in how we provide early-childhood development. Therefore, this declaration is timely, as it allows us to refocus on the sector,” he said.
There are approximately 2,500 early-childhood institutions (ECIs) operating across the island and they provide education for children zero to five years.
Mr. Salmon pointed out that a part of the ECC’s major approach going into this year is to ensure that all ECIs are registered and meeting the standards outlined by the Government of Jamaica.
“[This] will ultimately ensure that our nation’s children are receiving the best education that they deserve and the best education needed at this time,” he said.
The Early Childhood Act of 2005, Section three, Subsection one, provides that all ECIs are to be registered with the ECC. If an early-childhood institution is not registered, it runs the risk of closure.
To register, ECI operators can visit the ECC’s website https://ecc.gov.jm registration portal, which outlines the instructions and the documentation that are required. They can also visit the ECC’s head office in Kingston or any of its resource centres in the regions.
To register, ECI operators can visit the ECC’s website https://ecc.gov.jm registration portal, which outlines the instructions and the documentation that are required. They can also visit the ECC’s head office in Kingston or any of its resource centres in the regions.
The 12 Operational Standards set out by the ECC for early-childhood institutions cover staffing; developmental/educational programmes; interactions and relationships with children; the physical environment; indoor and outdoor equipment, furnishing and supplies; health; nutrition; safety, child rights; child protection and equality; interactions with parents and community members; administration, and finance.
The ECC will be engaged in several activities this year, including frequent Twitter chats, parent webinars and stakeholder engagements, community flex, and professional development of early-childhood practitioners.
A goal of the year of Early Childhood Development is creating more inclusive infant schools.