Early childhood deadline

Today is the last day for all early childhood institutions to get registered with the Ministry of Education.



It is estimated that more than 2,800 basic schools, daycare centres, pre-schools and other early childhood institutions now operate in Jamaica.



The Early Childhood Commission encourages operators of these schools, to contact the ministry even if their institutions do not meet the requirements as set out under the Early Childhood Act.



Chairman of the commission, Professor Maureen Samms Vaughn said that while the commission has a regulatory function, it also has a development function.



The Early Childhood Act sets 12 basic standards for institutions.



These include qualified staff, a proper physical environment, safe indoor and outdoor environments and sound financial practices.



The Education Ministry requested $200 million of the 2008-2009 budget to assist early childhood institutions improve their infrastructure.