Steps Being Taken to Certify More ECIs

Following the regional certification fairs hosted by the Early Childhood Commission (ECC), steps are now being taken to increase the number of early-childhood institutions (ECIs) certified at the constituency level.

The first in a series of Early Childhood Development Town Hall meetings is scheduled for the Mona Heights Primary School in the St. Andrew Eastern constituency on Thursday, June 29, from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Member of Parliament for the constituency, Hon. Fayval Williams, has emphasised the importance of the certification process for the nation’s ECIs.

“My team and I are committed to assisting early-childhood institutions to attain certification. We have embarked on a campaign to ascertain the needs of each ECI in the St. Andrew Eastern constituency and to solicit the appropriate support,” she said.

Mrs. Williams added that the early-childhood years are among the most critical in children’s lives and must be taken seriously.

The meeting is expected to have ECC officials on hand to respond to concerns regarding certification. Business leaders and other vital stakeholders have also been invited to participate in the meeting There are 20 ECIs in the St. Andrew Eastern constituency, of which three have been certified.

They are American International School of Kingston; Cynthia Shako Early Childhood Education and Daycare Centre, and the Providence Methodist Early Childhood Institution.

The meetings, which are coordinated by the Early Childhood Commission, are aimed at assisting the efforts of the ECC to transform the education landscape as well as nurture and care for the young living in constituencies across Jamaica.

For further information persons can contact: Daren Miller, ECC Commissioner at 929-7299; 598-2049 or daren.miller@live.com.